Survey on the status of understanding and intention to disclose information regarding workers’ safety and health among small- and medium-sized enterprise managers

• Published in: Journal of Occupational Safety and Health Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. 133 - 141
• Main Authors: FUJIWARA, Hideki, NAGATA, Tomohisa, MORI, Koji, ODAGAMI, Kiminori
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Tokyo National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan 30.09.2024; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Accidents; corporate social responsibility; Disclosure; Employees; excellent health corporation; information disclosure; Managers; Occupational accidents; Occupational health; Occupational safety; occupational safety and health; small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• ISSN: 1882-6822; 1883-678X
• DOI: 10.2486/josh.JOSH-2024-0001-CHO

This study examined the understanding and intentions regarding the disclosure of occupational safety and health conditions among managers of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recognized as excellent in health management. Results showed that while managers quantified information on occupational accidents, they did not grasp information related to turnover intention and perceived organizational support. Additionally, while intentions to understand employee stress and work engagement were high, intentions to understand employees’ exercise habits were low. This indicates that although managers consider the mental health and work motivation of employees important, they may not emphasize information leading to lifestyle improvements. Reasons for insufficient grasp or low intentions include lack of mandatory requirements, expertise in occupational safety and health, and privacy concerns. Regarding disclosure, there was a high intention to disclose information on occupational accidents and frequency rates, indicating recognition of the importance of proactively disclosing such information to enhance transparency. It is necessary for managers to evaluate the importance and impact of items when deciding whether to disclose them. Therefore, managers should seek advice from occupational health staff or external experts on evaluation and improvement methods for indicators.