A Model for Design of Tailored Working Environment Intervention Programmes for Small Enterprises

Abstract

ObjectivesSmall enterprises have higher exposure to occupational hazards compared to larger enterprises and further, they have fewer resources to control the risks. In order to improve the working environment, development of efficient measures is therefore a major challenge for regulators and other stakeholders. The aim of this paper is to develop a systematic model for the design of tailored intervention programmes meeting the needs of small enterprises.MethodsAn important challenge for the design process is the transfer of knowledge from one context to another. The concept of realist analysis can provide insight into mechanisms by which intervention knowledge can be transferred from one context to another. We use this theoretical approach to develop a design model.ResultsThe model consist of five steps: 1) Defining occupational health and safety challenges of the target group, 2) selecting methods to improve the working environment, 3) developing theories about mechanisms which motivate the target group, 4) analysing the specific context of the target group for small enterprise programmes including owner-management role, social relations, and the perception of the working environment, and 5) designing the intervention based on the preceding steps. We demonstrate how the design model can be applied in practice by the development of an intervention programme for small enterprises in the construction industry.ConclusionThe model provides a useful tool for a systematic design process. The model makes it transparent for both researchers and practitioners as to how existing knowledge can be used in the design of new intervention programmes.

Developing, Implementing and Evaluating OSH Interventions in SMEs: A Pilot, Exploratory Study

“…Regulators, practitioners and researchers have, therefore, looked into the possibilities of designing interventions that meet the specific needs of SMEs [5,6,54,55]. For example, Hasle, Kvorning, Rasmussen, et al developed a systematic model for the design of tailored intervention programmes meeting the needs of small enterprises [53]. This model supports the design of interventions promoted by external actors such as national or local control authorities, and involving several SMEs.…”

“…It is generally agreed that it is necessary to tailor interventions to the specific needs and context of small enterprises [53]. Regulators, practitioners and researchers have, therefore, looked into the possibilities of designing interventions that meet the specific needs of SMEs [5,6,54,55].…”

Managing safety in small and medium enterprises

“…The management style suffers from lack of acumen, experience and training and tends to involve predominantly oral communication. Their lines of communication are shorter, their structure is simpler, commercial pressures are often felt more keenly and immediately, they are commonly less likely to have formalised management structures, an evolved or structured approach to OHS management, internal health and safety expertise or access to external sources of assistance (Baldock et al, 2006;Cagno et al, 2011;Hasle et al, 2009Hasle et al, , 2012aHasle and Limborg, 2006;Laird et al, 2011).…”

“…It has been suggested that the most successful methods appear to be tailored, action-oriented, low cost approaches, combining health and safety with other management goals, and based on trust, participation and dialogue (Hasle et al, 2012a;Hasle and Limborg, 2006;Masi et al, 2014). Other approaches include: training and educational interventions, engineering and industrial hygiene interventions, a combination of industrial hygiene, health promotion and behavioural interventions and enforcement.…”

“…with suppliers for information (Hasle et al, 2012b;Olsen et al, 2010), limited knowledge of OHS Acts, Regulations and Codes of Practice (Olsen et al, 2010), a tendency to place OHS and injury responsibility with workers (Hasle et al, 2009), a belief that the agents (e.g. chemicals) being worked with are not dangerous (Hasle et al, 2009;Olsen et al, 2010), poor knowledge of health effects -in particular long term health effects (Olsen et al, 2010), hazard controls decided by custom and practice and not by risk assessment, and that economic survival is paramount (Hasle et al, 2012a). SME owners work very long hours and devote time to the most pressing issues.…”