HEALTH & SAFETY:
Within the working world there are two conditions that may affect job health and safety. These are the physical and non-physical conditions that occur at a workplace. Though both of these types of conditions usually cause immediate problems, it is found that they may lead to more serious long-term complications. The physical work conditions mainly cause physical health problems that may be either minor or major. A few examples of these physical work conditions are: loud noise that may cause hearing loss, the handling of toxic substances that can lead to immediate illnesses or even long-term diseases, and repetitive actions which can lead to minor or even permanent physical ailments.
The non-physical work conditions have the ability to "have effects that are both physical and psychological" (Spector, Paul E. (1996), Employee Health and Safety, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Research and Practice, 295). Work schedules are a main concern under non-physical work conditions which can cause both physical and psychological problems. Rotating shifts of schedules have been found to cause sleep deprivation and digestive problems, while long hours seem to lead to employees morale and job satisfaction being low. Thus, with either threatening physical and/or non-physical conditions occurring, it will be difficult for a business to be successful.
It has been found that there are two types of situational stress: physical environment stress and social environment stress. Stress or stressors in a job/work environment range from both of these categories. Within the physical environment of a workplace there are many factors that play a role in causing stress for employees. Though these stressors seem minor and may go undetected, they may lead to "poor job performance, increased absenteeism, higher accident rates, overutilization of medical benefits, and low worker morale..." (Miller, Ross, Cohen, (Dec. 1982). Stress:, Bostonia). A few examples of physical environment stressors are noise, temperature, fluorescent lighting, and poor office/factory spacing. Within the social environment of a workplace, everyday occurrences between co-workers and supervisors may lead to many stress related problems mentioned previously. Especially if these situations prevail over a long period of time. A few examples of social environment stressors are problems and competition between co-workers, and conflicts or misunderstandings with supervisors.
Though not many studies have been done concerning job stress and its effects, reducing stressors in a work environment may lead to be a cost-effective process for a business.