The role of HSE risk assessments in mitigating occupational hazards and infectious disease spread: A public health review
1 Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, J.S Tarkaa University, Makurdi, Nigeria.
2 Department of Health, Safety and Environment, Al Jaber and Partners, Doha, Qatar.
3 Department of Community Medicine and Public Health Abia state university teaching hospital, Aba, Nigeria.
4 Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, USA.
5 Department of International Relations, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria,
6 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Nigeria.
Review
Open Access Research Journal of Biology and Pharmacy, 2024, 11(02), 011–030.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjbp.2024.11.2.0029
Publication history:
Received on 16 June 2024; revised on 23 July 2024; accepted on 26 July 2024
Abstract:
The intercession of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) risk assessments with public health strategy is crucial in mitigating occupational hazards and controlling the spread of infectious diseases. This review examines the role of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) risk assessments in mitigating occupational hazards and controlling the spread of infectious diseases, with a focus on public health implications. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive risk assessments in identifying and managing workplace hazards, including both physical and psychosocial risks. It discusses the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics, to enhance the predictive capabilities of HSE risk assessments. The review also explores the necessity of ethical considerations in the application of these technologies, emphasizing transparency, privacy, and accountability. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between industries and public health authorities, especially in the context of infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19. Policy recommendations include the development of robust regulations, the promotion of industry-public health collaboration, and the provision of support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The review identifies gaps in current research and suggests future directions, such as longitudinal studies on the effectiveness of HSE interventions and the inclusion of psychosocial factors in risk assessments. By addressing these gaps and implementing the proposed recommendations, policymakers and industry stakeholders can significantly enhance workplace safety and health standards, ultimately protecting workers and promoting public health resilience.
Keywords:
HSE risk assessments; Occupational hazards; Infectious diseases; Public health; Artificial intelligence; Psychosocial risks; Policy recommendations
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Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0