How does HR work to make a safe work environment?

Answer 1

If I understand the question correctly this is my answer.
A company has to follow criteria set by employment standards, WCB (workman's compensation board), etc. Also my workplace is union so we have a joint occupational health and safety committee. Management and union members sit down to talk about safety concerns and we also do walk abouts. We look around inside and outside the building.

Answer 2

I am of the opinion that the very term "human resources" serves as an indication of how little people are valued in the office environment. You call machines, photocopiers, books, computers and so on "resources". Humans are people! So, sadly, HR doesn't care about safe environments as long as nothing happens to get them sued.