OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AS A PHYSIOLOGICAL NORM AND AN ELEMENT OF THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

This article examines occupational safety as a physiological norm that ensures the proper functioning of sensory and cognitive processes in human operators. The study explores the interrelationship between physiological and psychological aspects of occupational safety, with a particular focus on the impact of stress and risk awareness on decision-making. It is argued that occupational safety should not only be considered in legal and technical dimensions but also as an integral factor in maintaining homeostasis, which influences the efficiency of nervous, hormonal, and immune regulation.The article provides an analytical review of existing studies on occupational safety and its influence on cognitive processes. Theresearch emphasizes that stress and fear of occupational hazards can disrupt the processing of sensory information, potentially leading to errors in situation assessment and decision-making. In ergonomic and industrial environments, these disruptions can result in reduced productivity, increased workplace accidents, and compromised quality control. From the perspective of engineering psychology, the paper highlights that the allocation of selective, focused, and divided attention among different sensory channels is crucial for operators controlling technological processes.Given the complexity of workplace safety as an interdisciplinary challenge, the study proposes an improved methodology for evaluating management decisions by integrating occupational safety as a key social factor. The authors introduce a refined formula for calculating the level of economic efficiency of management decisions.This formula considers the increase in profitability due to the implementation of management measures compared to the  additional costs required for improving workplace safety, including the acquisition of safer equipment, personal protective measures, and signaling and blocking devices.Furthermore, the study explores the concept of social efficiency in management decision-making. By building upon the  methodology proposed by M. P. Politylo, the paper suggests integrating workplace safety as an additional variable in assessing the overall impact of management decisions. The revised model takes into account the following factors: the significance of the decision, its coherence with other managerial strategies, changes in conflict levels among cooperative subjects, and changes in corporate image. By introducing workplace safety as a key element in social efficiency calculations, the paper provides a more comprehensive assessment framework that allows organizations to justify increased expenditures on occupational safety measures.The research methodology includes systematic analysis, statistical modeling, and engineering psychology approaches. The study proposes a structured approach to evaluating managerial decision outcomes, emphasizing the importance of both economic and social efficiency metrics. The final conclusions suggest that workplace safety should be regarded as a physiological norm and a critical component of effective management. By ensuring optimal working conditions, organizations can enhance both the productivity and wellbeing of employees while maintaining economic sustainability.