THE ROLE OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN IMPROVING OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

Abstract

Occupational safety and health represent one of the key elements for the successful functioning of modern organizations. In addition to the legal obligation to protect employees, organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of human resource management as a significant factor in the prevention of workplace injuries and occupational diseases, as well as in improving overall work performance. The aim of this paper is to examine the role of human resource management in improving occupational safety and health, with particular emphasis on employee training, safety culture, work organization, and management support. The empirical research was conducted on a sample of 86 employees from various organizations in the Republic of Serbia. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, covering questions related to the assessment of working conditions, the identification of workplace hazards and harmful factors, employee training for safe work, support from supervisors, and the perceived importance of occupational safety and health. Respondents' answers were evaluated using a five-point Likert scale. The research results indicate that employees recognize the importance of occupational safety and health as a significant segment of organizational operations. Respondents particularly emphasize the importance of continuous education, adequate work organization, and support from direct supervisors in reducing workplace risks. The results also show that a developed safety culture and the active involvement of employees in hazard identification and risk assessment processes contribute to reducing the likelihood of workplace injuries. On the other hand, the research points to the need for more intensive training programs and greater employee involvement in decision-making processes related to workplace safety.