No one understands the nuances
of an organization to the extent
that the HR department does.
HR has the opportunity to
partner with and influence many internal
teams because they understand
how roles, policies and procedures, business
requirements, culture and structure
all support the strategic priorities of
the organization.
With an aging workforce, constant legislative
changes and new hazards emerging
daily – including fatigue, mental health, violence
and harassment and post-traumatic
stress disorder – the role of HR continues
to shift and expand. While HR leaders
may not necessarily know the ins and outs
of health and safety (H&S) from a technical
perspective, they are expected to
respond appropriately to H&S issues and
challenges as they arise. Recognizing the
importance of this is critical in promoting
and sustaining an effective internal responsibility
system (IRS).
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
For smaller organizations, HR is often
responsible for H&S, making it easier
to address, promote and identify issues.
However, in larger organizations, HR will
often work in tandem with a dedicated
H&S manager or department. These separate
roles can become siloed, and perhaps
even compete for resources; yet, when integrated,
these allied forces can create a
positive impact across the organization.
How can an organization integrate the
roles and responsibilities of both HR and
H&S departments to provide innovative
solutions for workers? How can H&S
health & safety
Promoting a Culture of
Health and Safety
THE ROLE OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN INTEGRATION, CULTURAL ALIGNMENT
By Kim Takata
DigitalFabiani/Shutterstock.com
leaders work optimally in partnership
with employers, employees and unions to
mitigate operational losses, occupational
health issues, accidents and injuries?
ENSURING ALIGNMENT
AND INTEGRATION WITH
ALL EMPLOYEES
Since H&S has long been viewed as the
responsibility of everyone in an organization,
HR can play a key role in bringing
alignment and facilitating conversations.
HR can work alongside the H&S manager
to support that role, and/or be part
of a joint H&S committee. Both roles can
work together to develop policies and advocate
for H&S while at the same time
overseeing communications and reporting.
Alignment where there is overlap will also
assist with a more engaged workforce – it’s
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