Abstract

Despite the potential impact they might otherwise have, supervisors often do not actively participate in prevention programmes. The factors influencing the participation of supervisors in these programmes has not been characterized. To remedy this situation, a literature review was performed, and data from a previous study of 1,064 supervisors in 100 manufacturing companies was analyzed.

The study identified several factors which favour the participation of supervisors in prevention activities and their ability to involve other workers. Of these, those related to corporate structure were the most important,

The study also demonstrated how the techniques used to foster supervisor participation are related not only to training, but also to the existence of a well-structured prevention programme and the commitment of upper management to prevention activities.