Abstract

Despite the number and economic importance of small companies (fewer than 50 employees), little is known of their management practices with regard to occupational safety. There is, however, some evidence that workers in small companies are at higher risk than those in larger companies. To identify research and intervention possibilities, a pilot study of employers in the garment and metal products fabrication sectors was undertaken, in collaboration with the respective joint sectoral associations. The results of this telephone survey indicate that employers in small companies are usually the only ones responsible for safety management, despite the fact that they are isolated and completely lack information and resources. Furthermore, they tend to underestimate the magnitude of health and safety problems and blame workers for accidents. The study characterized the wide range of approaches to health and safety management in the companies studied, and highlighted the importance of worker participation, the integration of health and safety considerations into production strategies, and access to information and support networks.