Ss15-01 Risk Prevention Practices in Smes and Their Impact on Occupational Safety and Health Performance

Abstract Introduction Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are acknowledged to face various challenges with regard to risk prevention practices. However, data about certain sectors of activity remain limited. The RISKsME project aimed to characterize these practices in some critical sectors, dominated by SMEs. This work aims to summarize the findings from a sample of waste management firms. Materials and Methods A total of 65 waste management firms participated in the study, including the employers and 279 employees. Data about risk prevention practices were collected through different sources, such as questionnaires applied to employers and employees, as well as the analysis of documents and records available at the enterprise. The enterprises were also characterized in relation to the level of safety performance. This analysis was based on a summative index, which assesses seven safety performance aspects. Results Constraints were identified within several companies, encompassing not only prevention activities like risk assessment, training, and accident recording, but also concerning the involvement of employers and employees in occupational safety and health (OSH) practices. Regression models indicated the significance of factors such as the time allocated by employers to address OSH issues, the support by external advisory services, employee motivation for safety, and the level of organizational commitment, in influencing safety performance. Conclusions Findings reveal waste management firms face several problems in terms of risk prevention. Ongoing research aims to design interventions for both employees and employers.