Navigating the changing landscape of Health & Safety throughout a global pandemic these past couple years has been…a challenge (to say the least). What will 2022 have in store for us in Health & Safety? Let’s take a closer look at the Health and Safety trends predicted for 2022.
Vaccination and masks
As the pandemic winds on, slowly governments are easing up on restrictions as case numbers dwindle. For 2022 we will see workplaces continue to implement vaccination and mask-wearing policies.
In the Health and Safety sector, a lot of the policy implementation falls under our umbrella in many workplaces. This has been a challenging time and as regulations and restrictions continue to change, this trend will continue throughout 2022. As governments ease restrictions, some private and public sector businesses will continue to require vaccination and mask-wearing.
Our job is to continue to follow Health and Safety guidelines to the best of our abilities. To view the current workplace guides within Canada for COVID-19 safety visit here. For local provincial guidelines or safety in other countries, consult your workplace Health and Safety Officer.
Mental Health
Once again the pandemic has continued to be a factor in the trends throughout Health and Safety in 2022. Mental health in the workplace is not a new safety concern. As such, the pandemic has only amplified the issue. Now many people are dealing with the various dynamics the pandemic has brought into the workplace.
Health and Safety professionals will continue to have to navigate the changing needs of workers and their mental health. Adding new supports as needed and adapting existing structures throughout 2022.For more information and resources surrounding workplace mental health and safety click here.
Working from Home
As people transition back to the office it will be interesting for the Health and Safety Sector. One trend for 2022 will be pivoting to supporting a return to office. Adjusting the vaccination and masking requirements as they shift and change will be another factor. Another will be how we will be able to support employees choosing to continue to work from home.
As my work as a Health and Safety professional is in industrial and construction settings, this issue has not been one I have had to encounter as much. As we know, Health and Safety professionals work across many different sectors, and it is important to note trends happening overall.
Supply Chain
Another issue that began as a pandemic consequence and continues as a wider global issue is the supply chain constraints. Health and Safety trends in 2022 show that employees and employers will continue to PPE and other safety equipment. Navigating a continuously constrained global supply chain has created new, unique challenges in the world of Health and Safety.
As we move forward through 2022 we will continue to face the challenges the pandemic has placed on us all. It is important to remember to be kind and treat others with respect. As always, you can find out about the services Shanks Safety can provide within your workplace, find out more here.