Occupational health and safety management when digitalizing public services: Local government manager experiences in Sweden

Background Strained financial resources and increasing demands for high-quality services in an ageing population are two challenges facing local government managers. While digitali­zing public service processes can meet these challenges, Occupational Health and Safety Manage­ment (OHSM) is often overlooked. Objective This study explores how Swedish local government managers handle digitalization processes in relation to OHSM, identifying the potential drivers and barriers that influence their integration. Methods The study is based on 25 semi-structured interviews with managers, HR profes­sionals, strategists, and Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) in two Swedish muni­cipa­lities. An inductive approach, inspired by the Gioia methodology, was used. The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model was utilized to analyze where potential drivers for and barriers to integrate digitalization into OHSM emerge. Results School managers demonstrated a systematic approach to integrating digitalization with OHSM, collaborating with stakeholders and managing procurement despite financial con­straints. In contrast, social and home care managers reflected technological determinism, overlooking risk assess­­ments and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) evaluations, thus under­­estimating OHS risks and limiting the involvement of employees and HSRs. Conclusions The study demonstrates that managerial approach and organizational context are crucial for integrating OHS into digitalization processes. By highlighting the value of the PDCA model as a guiding framework, it advances the under­standing of OHSM as a dynamic, context-sensitive process with practical relevance for management in technology-driven environ­ments.