5: Critical Evaluation and Conclusion

 

Critical Evaluation

After exploring the risks and possible solutions in the vending machine industry, it becomes clear that the main issue is not a lack of safety policies. In fact, most organisations are aware of workplace risks and have some form of safety procedures in place.

However, the real challenge lies in how these policies are applied in everyday work situations.

From what I have understood, there is often a gap between:

• What organisations say about safety
• What actually happens in practice

This gap is where most safety problems begin.

Safety vs Productivity

One of the biggest challenges in HRM is balancing productivity with employee safety.

On one hand:

• Organisations want to complete tasks quickly
• There is pressure to meet targets and deadlines

On the other hand:

• Safety procedures require time and careful attention
• Employees need to follow proper steps to avoid risks

 In many real situations, productivity is often given higher priority. Employees may feel pressure to:

• Work faster
• Skip certain safety steps
• Complete tasks even when tired

Ex: A delivery worker may rush a machine installation to meet a deadline, increasing the risk of injury.

The Reality of Workplace Behaviour

Even when employees are trained properly, their behaviour is often influenced by their work environment.

If the workplace culture:

• Rewards speed over safety
• Ignores minor safety violations
• Focuses only on results

Then employees may start to believe that safety is not truly important.

To create safer workplaces, organisations must:

• Strengthen safety culture
• Provide proper training and support
• Balance productivity with employee health

Another important factor is the role of management.

If managers:

• Prioritise safety
• Lead by example
• Support employees

Then safety practices are more likely to be followed.

However, if managers focus mainly on:

• Productivity
• Cost reduction
• Speed

 Then safety may become less important in daily work.

From my perspective, leadership plays a major role in shaping workplace behaviour. Employees often follow what they see, not just what they are told.

 Ultimately, effective HRM should ensure that

Employees are not only productive, but also protected.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the vending machine industry is a complex issue that goes beyond simple rules and procedures.

From this blog, it is clear that:

• Employees face real physical and technical risks
• HRM plays a key role in managing these risks
• Safety is closely linked to employee wellbeing and performance

However, the biggest challenge is ensuring that safety is consistently applied in real work situations.

In my view, organisations need to move beyond seeing safety as just a requirement. Instead, they should treat it as an essential part of their overall strategy.

To achieve this, organisations should:

• Strengthen safety culture
• Support employees both physically and mentally
• Balance productivity with employee wellbeing

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (2023) Workplace safety regulations.

CIPD (2022) Health and wellbeing at work.

Armstrong, M. and Taylor, S. (2020) Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice.