Occupational health needs in small industry in New Zealand: preferred sources of information

An audit of occupational health needs assessment and service utilization was carried out in a survey of small industry. Fifteen per cent of the workforce considered that working conditions were poor, and 8 per cent considered that their health had been affected by work. The proportions were highest in manual workers, rising to 31 per cent and 18 per cent respectively. Thirty-eight per cent of the workforce had needed occupational health information or advice in the past, particularly amongst manual workers (53 per cent). The 'boss' was the commonest source of information, followed by the general practitioner. These findings have important implications for planners of occupational health services who need to ensure that these two groups have access to high quality information. Fifty-nine per cent of those who had needed information had not actually sought and obtained it. This suggests that information needs are not being met. Information which was received, however, generally met the requester's need.