The Role of HR in Safety and Security at Work

Role of HR in Work Safety and Security
David Wilson, Manager, Canada
The role and responsibilities of the HR director/manager may depend upon the nature of the industry (i.e. banking, mining, health, government, etc.) and the size and complexity of the organization.
- I have seen some HR groups with responsibility for physical security, but I am not certain it is the norm.
- I have not seen HR having any role in e-security.
- Generally, I would see HR as being responsible for criminal record checks (via the police), employee IDs, employee safety (from the customer or the public), workers compensation, and occupational health and safety.
- Potentially, HR may have some role in staffing needs during a physical, environmental, health or other disaster that impacts the organization.

HR Safety and Security
teffo valerie tchinda, Student (Other), Cameroon
Thank you David for your prompt advise I now know where to get more information.

The Role of the HR Department in Reactive or Proactive Employee Safety
David Wilson, Manager, Canada
Many organizations place the responsibility for managing employee safety in their HR Department.
In my opinion, the role as practiced by HR is typically more reactive than proactive. However, I believe the role should be more proactive.
- Is it possible for the HR Department to be actively take steps to proactively protect employees from problems in the workplace?
- What practices and policies would you suggest the HR Department should consider?
- Should HR be able to over-rule a line manager when employee safety is involved?

The Role of HR in Job Safety in Case of Outsourcing
David Wilson, Manager, Canada
This issue becomes even more interesting when we're including the fact that over the last 10-20 years or so, many (western) employers have been outsourcing work to developing countries in order to reduce the costs of their products and services.
Typically, there are no contractual standards enforcing HR practices, including safe work environments, fair wages, adequate benefits, etc.
But I believe these organizations have a corporate and social responsibility to ensure their suppliers provide safe and fair work sites, decent living conditions, and clean environments.
How should HR managers ensure workers are properly treated and work in a safe environment?