The 7 societal factors that influence the health and safety standards of an organisation

Health and safety standards can be influenced positively or negatively by certain societal factors. These societal factors make companies practise good health and safety standards. Others may fail to practise good health and safety standards because of these factors.

However, here is the list of the 7 societal factors that can influence the organisation’s health and safety standards.

Government policy.

Policies of the government influence the health and safety of an organization. Government policy centred on occupational health and safety influences HSE. And the government can enact legislation affecting occupational safety and health. The Organisations will follow the Policy and the legislation and commit to obeying them. 

For example, the Uk government published an independent document called Working for a healthier tomorrow that identifies challenges and sets out recommendations for reform on health, work and well-being. The following points below can be seen in the report.

• Evidence suggests that the working population is healthier than those who do not work. Families without a member working are likely to suffer persistent low income and poverty.
• Life expectancy in the UK is higher than ever, yet millions of working days are lost to work-related illness.

Economic climate. 

Wealthy countries have the resources to enforce health and safety. Such countries have basic life amenities like food, shelter and clean water. In countries where these amenities are lacking, occupational health and safety suffer.

In order words, there is a strong correlation between wealthy nations and good safety standards.

Onyekachi Emmanuel

Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional, a business person, and an entrepreneur. He is very passionate about health and safety, Business and Entrepreneurship.