Workplace Observation Paper

Traditionally, workplace plays an extremely important role in the normal functioning of a company as well as in the life of each individuals employed by the company. In this respect, it is noteworthy that mutual understanding from the part of employees and employers is vitally important for high efficiency of work of employees and for successful of the company at large that is one of the main goal of employers.

Speaking about coal mining industry and companies operating in this niche of the market, it is possible to estimate that the conditions of work are especially significant since often the life of employees may depend on it. At the same time, coal mining companies have traditionally been characterized by a number of conflicts between employees and employer.

In fact, it seems to be quite natural that rather risky work was accompanied by attempts from the part of employers to minimize costs of safety of workplace. Practically it means that the work of coal miners, regardless recent technological innovations there is still a great danger of getting injured and consequences of hazards in coal mines may be fatal. This is why the problem of safety of work is one of the key issues that can often lead to conflicts between employers and employees.

On the other hand, attempting to minimize the potential danger coal mining represents for human life and health, employers stimulate the implementation of new technologies which gradually replace manual labor in coal mines. At first glance, it seems to be paradoxical that employees often oppose to such a reduction of the role of human labor in coal mining even though it increases safety of their work. The explanation is quite simple – new technologies and machines gradually replace coal miners and reduce the need in labor force. Consequently, miners turn to be useless for they are substituted by machines. As a result the implementation of innovations may be another source of conflicts within the coal mining company.

Obviously, on facing such problems the company’ management has to solve an efficient strategy of conflict solving and prevention. In such a situation, it is worthy to mention that basically the main goal of the company’s management is the prevention of conflicts before their development. In this respect, it should be said that the solution of any possible conflicts is not a one-sided process, i.e. it is not only managers that deals with the conflicts and problems the company faces. In the case of the conflict between employees and employers the trade union also plays an important role. In fact, its role is to protect interests of employees and convey their needs and demands to the company administration.

At the same time, it should be also said that the company also takes care about psychological ambiance within the company. Moreover, the company is particularly concerned about the psychological stability of the employees, especially if they suffered from some accident within the coal mine. In this respect, psychological rehabilitation of employees turns to be particularly efficient that minimizes the possible negative consequences of accidents and prevents conflicts within the company.

In general, the efficient functioning of the company and the prevention of conflicts are provided by efficient organizational policies within the coal mining company. It should be pointed out that the company organizes regularly trainings for managers in order to increase their professional level. At the same time, the company’s administration is also concerned about professional growth and education of their employees, i.e. coal miners, since they have constantly progress because of the permanent innovations implemented in the technological processes.

As a result, high professionalism, training and educating are the main strategic goals the company attempts to realize in its policy. It is also worthy to mention that the organization of work is also very important and in the coal mining it is on quite a high level. It should be pointed out that the company takes care of employees preventing them from excessive work that may result in physical and mental exhaustion. For this purpose, schedule is thoroughly planned and working hours are optimal for efficient work.

Thus, taking into account all above mentioned, it is possible to conclude that the company, operating in the coal mining industry may face a number of problems because of possible conflicts as well as because of potential danger of coal mining for employees’ health and life. At the same time, the conflicts may be successfully prevented due to high professionalism of both employees and employers and to efficient organizational policies of the company which take care of employees and positive psychological ambiance within the organization.

Bibliography:

1. Bailes, G.M. Modern Mining Practice. Sheffield: The Bennett College, 2004.
2. Statham, I.C.F. Coal Mining Practice. London: Caxton Publishing, 1998.