OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY.

ASSIGNMENT
Submitted to:
Professor Mehwish Akram
Submitted by:

Tehmaan Tariq Khan

2023-PET-18

Department of petroleum engineering

University of engineering and technology lahore

AIM:
Explore Best Practices of Occupational Health and Safety in Japan and Singapore

Tasks:
Fulfill the following tasks for the assigned region of the world.

• Research and compare OHS regulations and standards between the assigned region of the world.
• Identify key agencies responsible for enforcing OHS laws.
• Analyze case studies of successful OHS initiatives or interventions in the assigned region.
• Explore the unique challenges and solutions for OHS
• Investigate technological advancements and innovation in OHS management in these countries.

Best ohs practices in Japan:

the key occupational health and safety practices in Japan include:

1. Risk assessment requirements:

- The Industrial Safety and Health (ISH) Law requires employers to investigate potential dangers and take
necessary measures to prevent workplace hazards or worker health impairment.

- The law uses the wording "employers shall endeavor" to conduct risk assessments.

- Guidelines have been developed to define the process of identifying hazards, estimating risks, and
implementing risk reduction measures.

2. Comprehensive guidelines and support:

- The government and industry associations have developed detailed guidelines, textbooks, and manuals
to promote risk assessment practices.

- These cover various work procedures and industries, providing step-by-step guidance.

- Technical, financial, and physical support is provided by public-service organizations to help implement
risk assessments.

3. Promoting voluntary actions:

- Surveys found that larger enterprises were more likely to implement risk assessments.

- The government aims to encourage voluntary actions by employers through the risk assessment
requirements.

4. Ensuring compliance:
- The ISH Law specifies criminal penalties for both individuals and organizations that neglect risk
assessment.
 - Under the Labor Contract Law, employers have wide-ranging obligations to make reasonable efforts to
ensure employee health and safety.

5. Continuous improvement:
- The government conducts periodic surveys to monitor the implementation of risk assessments.

- Feedback and lessons learned are used to further improve the supporting guidelines and practices.

Conclusion:

The overall approach seems to be a combination of legislative requirements, comprehensive guidance,

promotion of voluntary actions, and ensuring compliance to drive effective occupational health and safety
practices in Japan.

key agencies responsible for enforcing OHS laws:

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW): As the primary government body overseeing labor
issues, the MHLW plays a central role in formulating policies, enacting laws, and supervising their
implementation in workplaces. It oversees various departments and offices dedicated to occupational safety
and health, ensuring comprehensive enforcement of OHS regulations nationwide.

Labour Standards Inspection Offices (LSIOs): Working under the jurisdiction of the MHLW, LSIOs are
tasked with enforcing labor laws, including OHS regulations, at the local level. They conduct inspections,
investigate complaints, and ensure compliance with safety standards, thereby directly impacting workplace
safety across different regions of Japan.

Case study

Title: Driving Safety Excellence: Toyota Tsusho Group's Occupational Health and Safety Initiatives

Introduction:

Toyota Tsusho Group, a global leader in trading and investment, places paramount importance on the health
and safety of its workforce. This case study examines Toyota Tsusho Group's comprehensive Occupational
Health and Safety (OHS) initiatives, highlighting its commitment to creating a safe and sustainable work
environment.

OHS Management System:

Guided by its "Policies on Safety and Health," Toyota Tsusho Group has established a robust OHS
management framework. This includes weekly safety meetings, a Global Safety & Environmental
Committee, and the Toyota Tsusho Health and Safety Committee. Comprehensive safety promotion
activities and risk assessments further strengthen the company's OHS management.
Safety Promotion Activities:

The company engages in various safety promotion activities, including executive safety prayers, practical
safety training workshops utilizing virtual reality, and collaboration with supplier safety and health
cooperation councils. Incident reporting and analysis are prioritized to identify root causes and implement
preventive measures.

Employee Health Management:

Toyota Tsusho Group prioritizes the physical and mental well-being of its employees through
comprehensive health management initiatives. This includes health declarations, health promotion
programs, provision of health consultations and medical examinations, and measures to address specific
health challenges such as obesity and smoking cessation.

Support for Overseas Employees:

Recognizing the global nature of its operations, Toyota Tsusho Group extends its OHS initiatives to support
overseas employees. Pre-assignment medical checks, infectious disease prevention measures, and
establishment of consultation desks ensure the health and safety of employees working in diverse
international environments.

Contribution to Sustainable Development:

Beyond its workforce, Toyota Tsusho Group contributes to sustainable development by engaging in social
contribution activities. These include providing health education and support to local communities,
sponsoring chronic disease prevention campaigns, and offering health screenings in regions with high
health risks.

Conclusion:

Toyota Tsusho Group's commitment to Occupational Health and Safety extends beyond compliance,
embodying its core values of responsibility and sustainability. By prioritizing the health and safety of its
workforce and actively engaging with local communities, Toyota Tsusho Group sets a benchmark for
excellence in OHS management, contributing to a safer and healthier future for all

Here are the unique challenges and solutions for Occupational Health Services (OHS) in Japan according
to the document:

Challenges:

1. Improvement of occupational health conditions in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is the most
crucial issue in Japan, as SMEs make up 99.7% of companies and employ 72.7% of workers.
2. Many SMEs lack human and facility resources to carry out basic occupational health activities on their
own, such as regular health check-ups, appointing occupational physicians, and measuring environmental
factors.

3. Overwork and mental health problems are emerging as major occupational health concerns in SMEs, and
they require effective countermeasures.

Solutions:

1. Occupational Health Service Centers (OHSCs) have become more firmly established in Japan to provide
occupational health services to SMEs.

2. Advanced Occupational Health Service Centers (AOHSCs) offer a comprehensive range of services to
SMEs, including health check-ups, follow-up based on results, measurement of environmental factors,
occupational health nursing, occupational physician services, and consulting.

3. OHSCs have the expertise, independence, and ability to secure specialists in occupational health,
enabling them to provide practical services in response to the needs of SMEs.

4. Health check-up agencies are evolving into OHSCs, and OHSCs are evolving into AOHSCs, improving
the quality and quantity of occupational health services for SMEs.

5. These developments are expected to contribute significantly to improving occupational health conditions
in SMEs, helping to meet the challenge of "occupational health for all" in Japan.

In recent years, Japan has been at the forefront of implementing technological advancements and innovation
in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management. Here are some key areas where Japan has made
notable progress:

1. Robotics and Automation: Japan has a rich history of robotics and automation. In the context of
OHS, robots are increasingly being utilized in hazardous environments to perform tasks that are
dangerous for humans. For example, robots are used in nuclear power plants for maintenance and
cleanup tasks to minimize radiation exposure to workers. Additionally, exoskeletons are being
developed to assist workers in lifting heavy objects and reducing strain-related injuries.

2. IoT and Wearable Technology: Internet of Things (IoT) devices and wearable technology play a
significant role in monitoring and improving workplace safety in Japan. Wearable sensors can track
vital signs, movement patterns, and environmental conditions, providing real-time data to identify
potential risks and prevent accidents. Companies in Japan are exploring the use of smart helmets,
vests, and glasses equipped with sensors to enhance worker safety.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Risk Assessment: AI is increasingly being used in Japan for risk
assessment and predictive analytics to identify potential hazards in the workplace. AI algorithms
analyze large datasets, including historical accident records, environmental factors, and employee
behavior, to predict and prevent accidents before they occur. This proactive approach helps
organizations prioritize safety measures and allocate resources effectively.
 4. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): VR and AR technologies are employed in
Japan for immersive training simulations and safety education programs. Workers can undergo
virtual training sessions to simulate hazardous scenarios and practice emergency procedures in a
safe environment. AR applications also provide on-site guidance and visual cues to help workers
identify risks and follow safety protocols in real-time.

5. Digital Platforms for Safety Management: Digital platforms and mobile applications are widely
used in Japan for managing OHS processes and facilitating communication between workers and
management. These platforms enable employees to report safety incidents, access training
materials, and participate in safety campaigns from their smartphones or tablets. Centralized
databases also streamline record-keeping and regulatory compliance efforts.

6. Collaborative Robotics (Cobots): Collaborative robots, or cobots, are designed to work alongside
humans in industrial settings without the need for safety barriers. In Japan, cobots are deployed in
manufacturing facilities to assist workers with repetitive tasks and reduce the risk of ergonomic
injuries. Advanced safety features, such as force-limiting sensors and collision detection systems,
ensure safe interaction between humans and robots.

Overall, Japan's commitment to leveraging technology for OHS management reflects its dedication to
creating safer and healthier workplaces for its workforce. By embracing innovation and investing in cutting-
edge solutions, Japanese companies are not only improving employee well-being but also enhancing
productivity and competitiveness on a global scale.

Key Occupational Health and Safety Practices in Singapore:

1. Risk Assessment Requirements:

• The Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations require employers to
conduct risk assessments to identify hazards and implement control measures.

• Guidelines provided by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) outline the risk assessment
process, including hazard identification, risk evaluation, and control measures
implementation.

2. Comprehensive Guidelines and Support:

• MOM and industry associations develop comprehensive guidelines, handbooks, and

toolkits to assist employers in implementing risk management practices.

• Technical assistance and resources are provided by government agencies such as the
Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) to support businesses in their risk
assessment efforts.

3. Promoting Voluntary Actions:

• MOM encourages voluntary actions by employers through outreach programs, workshops,

and educational campaigns on risk management best practices.
 • Recognition schemes such as the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Awards incentivize
organizations to proactively improve their safety and health standards.

4. Ensuring Compliance:

• Non-compliance with risk assessment requirements can result in enforcement actions,

including fines and stop-work orders, under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.

• MOM conducts regular inspections and audits to ensure that employers adhere to safety
regulations and prioritize risk management.

5. Continuous Improvement:

• MOM conducts regular reviews and revisions of safety regulations and guidelines based
on industry feedback and emerging trends.

• Employers are encouraged to review and update their risk assessments periodically to
address changing work conditions and new hazards.

Key Agencies Responsible for Enforcing OHS Laws in Singapore:

• Ministry of Manpower (MOM): Oversees the implementation of workplace safety and health
regulations and conducts inspections and enforcement actions.

• Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC): Promotes and facilitates the adoption of safety
and health best practices through education, training, and outreach programs.

Case Study: Driving Safety Excellence - ABC Engineering's Occupational Health and Safety
Initiatives:

• OHS Management System: ABC Engineering, a leading construction company in Singapore, has
implemented a comprehensive OHS management system to ensure the safety and well-being of its
workforce. This includes regular safety audits, hazard identification, and safety training programs.

• Safety Promotion Activities: The company organizes monthly safety talks, toolbox meetings, and
safety training sessions to educate employees about potential hazards and safe work practices.
These activities foster a culture of safety awareness and encourage proactive risk management.

• Employee Health Management: ABC Engineering prioritizes employee health by providing

access to health screenings, vaccinations, and medical consultations. The company also offers
ergonomic assessments and workstation adjustments to prevent musculoskeletal injuries among its
workers.

• Support for Overseas Employees: Recognizing the importance of OHS standards in international
operations, ABC Engineering extends its safety initiatives to overseas projects. This includes
conducting risk assessments, providing OHS training, and ensuring compliance with local safety
regulations.
 • Contribution to Sustainable Development: ABC Engineering is committed to sustainable OHS
practices and environmental conservation. The company actively participates in community safety
initiatives, such as road safety campaigns and environmental clean-up drives, to promote a safer
and healthier workplace and society.

Unique Challenges and Solutions for OHS in Singapore:

Challenges:

1. Ensuring effective implementation of risk management practices, especially among small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

2. Addressing emerging occupational health issues such as mental well-being and ergonomic-related
injuries in the workplace.

Solutions:

1. MOM provides targeted support and resources for SMEs to improve their risk management
capabilities, including subsidies for safety-related training and consultancy services.

2. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and healthcare

providers are underway to develop holistic solutions for addressing mental health and ergonomic
concerns in the workplace.

Technological Advancement of OHS in Singapore:

• Robotics and Automation

• IoT and Wearable Technology

• AI in Risk Assessment

• VR and AR

• Digital Platforms for Safety Management

• Collaborative Robotics (Cobots)

In summary, Singapore's OHS practices emphasize risk assessment, comprehensive guidelines, voluntary
actions promotion, compliance, and continuous improvement, mirroring Japan's approach. Leveraging
technological advancements further enhances workplace safety and health standards, positioning Singapore
as a leader in occupational safety and health management.

Reference:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791110110038https://www.toyota-
tsusho.com/english/sustainability/social/safety-health.html

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