Work‐related injuries and occupational health and safety factors in smaller enterprises—a prospective study

• Published in: Occupational medicine (Oxford) Vol. 52; no. 2; pp. 70 - 74
• Main Authors: Bull, N., Riise, T., Moen, B. E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.03.2002; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Accidents, Occupational - prevention & control; Biological and medical sciences; Equipment Safety; Health and safety factors; Humans; Industry; Legislation. Organization; Medical sciences; Norway; Occupational Health; occupational injuries; Occupational medicine; Prospective Studies; Protective Devices; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; risk prediction; Norway; Europe; Human; Participation; Safety device; Awareness; Prediction; Inspection; Protection safety equipment; Prospective; Prevention; Occupational accident; Work safety; Risk factor; Occupational medicine; Small medium sized firm
• ISSN: 0962-7480; 1471-8405
• DOI: 10.1093/occmed/52.2.70

The aim of this study was to determine whether any of the health, environmental and safety (HES) factors registered by visiting small mechanical enterprises in Norway at the start of the study could predict the risk of occupational injuries in subsequent years. Twelve HES factors, including injury awareness, programme for action, employee participation, training and use of personal safety devices, were registered. A questionnaire was completed by interviewing the employer and observing production. Two variables based on observation of the use of safety equipment were significantly correlated with occupational injuries. There is potential for prevention in smaller enterprises by increasing the use of personal protection devices and safety equipment on machines. Frequent inspection with feedback to the workers is probably the most effective means of attaining the desired result of reducing injuries.