P-282 Motivated Policy Advice for Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises in Belgium

Background In Belgium, Occupational Health Services (OHS) such as IDEWE assess the global status and implementation of company prevention policies. In this study we aim to explore the strengths and bottlenecks in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Methods Retrospective analysis of the answers to 51 predefined policy questions collected during company visits by IDEWE’s OHS professionals in over 12000 SMEs between 2016 and 2019. Results SMEs scored well on first aid (70%), workplace accident procedure (71%), and individual occupational health risk assessment (98%). Moreover, questions related to individual health surveillance (79%) and conducting health surveillance (73%) scored positively. On individual level, good scores were noted for provision of personal equipment (79%) and work clothing (76%). In contrast, the main bottlenecks were lack of a policy and action plan (only available in 24% and 29%, respectively), and limited availability of an inventory of dangerous substances (35%) and safety-instructions for chemicals (24%). Also questions related to risk analysis of psychosocial aspects (25%) and maternity protection (34%) had a negative score. Conclusion Our results correspond well with the focus of OHS in Belgian SMEs in the last 40 years, with an emphasis on individual safety and protection, including medical health surveillance. The main challenges for SMEs are implementing collective measures after risk analysis, and reporting in policy and yearly action plans. Employers often lack the necessary knowledge and skills to do so. Employers of micro-enterprises (<20 employees), in particular, wish to be better supported by the government and their external OHS.