Discussion on health and safety act in geomatics
Introduction
Geomatics is a field of collecting, archiving, processing and distributing physical or specially referenced information. Geomatics involve the use of laws, ordinances, and regulations among other policies to ensure that all individuals are protected against all forms of risks. Such systems may include land use, security, hazardous waste, health issues, and environmental use among others. The paper focuses on the definition of the health laws associated with geomatics and the impacts of introducing such laws.
The Health and Safety at Work Act was established in 1974 to cater for the protection and health legislations in all workplaces (Lundgren et al. 117). The legislation spells out the duties of the employers and employees in the industry to ensure that each plays their role. It categorically states that the employers have an obligation to protect their staffs, customers and members of the public as they carry out their geomatics engineering activities in the environment. On the other hand, the engineers and employees have a responsibility to protect themselves according to the guidance provided to them during the health and safety training. The laws are based on the reasonable practicality where the implementation should be cost efficient and rational.
Primary emphasis specified by the legislations
Health and safety regulations require a firm to manage risks in the workplaces. Therefore, it is essential for a company to identify the risk factor that is likely to affect the health of individuals (Pagiatakis et al. 34). Slips and falls are common health hazards in organizations and are caused by spills. The establishment of proper flooring, staff education and keeping the floor dry and clean can prevent them. Geomatics involve the use of computers to key in data and process information. Workers working in the departments should be given regular breaks and variation of activities to avoid eye and back problems. First aid regulations state that the employers should have well-equipped and up-to-date first aid facilities and equipment. Workers should regularly be trained on how to use the equipment to administer first aid to those injured or sick in the organization (Lundgren et al. 234). Other health concerns indicated by the Act include the reduction of noise, regular electrical checks and technical awareness among the staffs.
Impacts of the health and safety legislations
The laws have positive effects on the workers and the employers in the long-run. They help to boost confidence and motivation among the employees because they feel that their employers value and protect them. Highly motivated staffs work efficiently with little or no supervision to yield to the positive development and a common good. They help to reduce turnover rates and increase retention of workers (Pagiatakis et al. 56). They lead to economic advantages due to the reduced the number of working days lost due to injuries and illnesses among the people. They also help to create a good reputation for the company thereby increasing engineering customers to the firm. Lastly, good health legislations help a company to shield itself from the probable legal actions and reduce the insurance premiums.
Conclusion
Geomatics, like any other field, involves the use of the code of ethics, laws, regulations and ordinances among others. The health issues of the employees should be considered to ensure that people live healthy lives. The Health and Safety Act introduced in 1974 spell out the duties and responsibilities of both employers and employees to foster good health. The Act identifies the following major health hazards: electrical malfunctioning, slips, and falls, back and eyestrains among others. The implementation of the Health and Safety laws in geomatics helps to create a healthy working environment where employees are motivated. Highly motivated staffs work efficiently with little or no supervision to yield to the positive development and a common good. It helps to reduce turnover rates and increase the retention of workers. It leads to economic advantages since it reduces the number of working days lost due to injuries and illnesses among the people. It also helps to create a good reputation for the company thereby increasing engineering customers to the firm. Lastly, good health legislations help a company to shield itself from the probable legal actions and reduce the insurance premiums.
Work Cited
Lundgren, Regina E., and Andrea H. McMakin. Risk communication: A handbook for communicating environmental, safety, and health risks. John Wiley & Sons, 2013.
Pagiatakis, Spiros D. "Geomatics Engineering." Encyclopedia of Environmetrics.
