Safety Work vs the Safety of Work

Provan’s “safety of work” and “work of safety” are two different ways of thinking about occupational health and safety (OHS) in the workplace. The “safety of work” approach focuses on the risks and hazards that are inherent to a particular job or task, and on ways to mitigate those risks and protect workers from harm. This approach emphasises the importance of following established safety protocols and procedures, and of using protective equipment and other controls to reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

In contrast, the “work of safety” approach focuses on the broader organizational and cultural factors that contribute to a safe and healthy workplace. This approach emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of safety within the organization, where workers feel empowered to speak up and report hazards and concerns, and where management is committed to continuously improving safety performance. The “work of safety” approach also recognizes the role of worker engagement and participation in OHS, and emphasizes the need for workers to be involved in identifying and addressing safety issues in their workplace.

Both the “safety of work” and “work of safety” approaches are important for ensuring the health and safety of workers in the workplace. However, the “work of safety” approach is more holistic and recognizes the role of broader organizational factors in promoting safety. By focusing on both the risks and hazards of individual tasks and the broader organizational and cultural factors that influence safety, organizations can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to OHS.