Israel Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene
18
Tools for identification, evaluation and control of risks in the
work environment
In order to provide a protected workplace that does not endanger its employees, it is necessary
to perform operations for identification of hazards and assessment of risks. The goal of
these operations is to identify everything that may hurt the workers, to assess the risk of
expected injuries and damages. It is necessary to act for minimizing the risk for employees
to an acceptable level, whenever needed. Since disabled people may be more vulnerable
and exposed to damage more than others, it is necessary to take into consideration the
employee’s disability when performing risk surveys in the workplace. TheMinistry of Economy
assists plants to modify their work stations so that they will fit the disabled employees, and
details on this subject appear further in this chapter.
In order to assure the employees’ health, the employers should perform the following
operations:
•
Handle work risks for all the employees
•
Consider the disability while avoiding preliminary assumptions (see further explanation
below)
•
Let the disabled employees take part in the risk assessment and the implementation of
the acceptable modifications
•
Consult with relevant experts whenever necessary (including getting help from the
Ministry of Economy in the workplace modifications).
Some employers avoid employing disabled people because they fear that the work will
not be properly done. They worry that they will not comply with the requirements of the
occupational safety and health act and the work inspection organization law. On the other
hand, disabled people fear that the labor laws will be against them in all matters concerning
their employment in the workplace. Fears can be on both sides, however, the employer
can learn about the disabilities and the employee can learn about the safety and health
requirements by working together. This process is working the best when the employer lets
the disabled employee take part in the process and considers his individual needs. Such an
attitude may help in preventing the following states:
•
Mistaken perceptions regarding the disabled people, which may cause discrimination
and incorrect work.
•
People hiding the fact that they are disabled in order to keep their jobs.
