What is a fundamental principle of health and safety in the workplace?

A fundamental principle of health and safety in the workplace is accident prevention. This principle is central to creating a safe working environment and involves identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing measures to mitigate or eliminate those risks. The primary goal of health and safety practices is to protect employees from harm, ensure their wellbeing, and create a culture of safety. This aligns with regulatory requirements and moral obligations of employers to provide a safe workplace.

In contrast to accident prevention, maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs may not inherently contribute to safety efforts and can sometimes be at odds with ensuring well-being. Offering flexible hours might improve work-life balance but doesn't directly address health and safety issues. Therefore, the focus on accident prevention is essential as it aims to proactively manage workplace dangers, ultimately leading to a safer working environment for everyone involved.