Information Technology (IT) has emerged as the global driving force behind business success, improved performance, ease of operations, and accuracy. The growth of a business cannot be separated from the security and safety of the business environment, where the health of employees and facilities must be guaranteed. Therefore, this paper examines the role of IT in the management of workplace safety and personnel well-being in a challenging economy. The paper covers IT application in a safe working environment, personnel health, machinery safety, occupational hazards, risks, and accidents. This paper also addresses challenges that hinder the use of IT in the administration of health safety and environment issues. It concludes with a strategy for an effective utilization of this important tool in the development of health safety and environment.
Top2. Health Safety And Environment Management System
Safety, Ameerali Abdeali (2007) explained, as not merely about rules and regulations and procedures but as a serious matter that affects life and death. Safety is the prevention of incidents that kill, permanently destroy the livelihood of victim or business. This above definition is in agreement with Joseph Portelli’s (2008) definition of safety which he defined as absence of danger or physical harm. Occupational safety covers equipment, structure, materials and workplace where risk of harm has been eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level.
Workplace environment according to Tan Kia Tang (2007) encompasses hazardous chemicals, physical factors such as noise, vibration, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, extreme temperature as well as biological agents which on due exposure usually results in health hazards and occupational diseases. This Berjak et al. (1977) listed her composition as microbial decomposers, detrivores, small carnivores and large carnivores.
The protection of the environment according to David Towlson (2006) is influenced by workplace environment such as light, sun, heat and external environment such as pollution, damage to air, land and water outside the workplace that may affect the work activities.
Health is the “state of well-being” which includes:
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Physiological and psychological sense.
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Physical condition of body and mind of all people, employee, visitors and their protection from harms, noise, fatique, stress, and so forth.