ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE WORKPLACE: IDENTIFICATION AND MITIGATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AFFECTING WORKER HEALTH AND SAFETY

Resumo

Environmental risk management in the workplace plays a fundamental role in protecting worker health and ensuring safe and sustainable organizational operations. Occupational environments often expose workers to a wide range of environmental hazards, including chemical agents, physical stressors, biological contaminants, and ergonomic risks, which can lead to acute injuries, chronic illnesses, and reduced productivity. This article examines how environmental risks in the workplace can be systematically identified, assessed, and mitigated using evidence-based occupational health and safety practices. Emphasis is placed on hazard recognition, risk assessment methodologies, implementation of the hierarchy of controls, continuous environmental and health monitoring, and worker participation. By integrating proactive risk management strategies with regulatory compliance and organizational culture, workplaces can significantly reduce environmental health risks, enhance worker wellbeing, and improve overall safety performance.