Conceptual Framework of Health and Safety Management Practices Affecting Safety Performance of Malaysian Bumiputera SMEs

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify safety performance practices affecting safety performance of Bumiputera SMEs and to develop a conceptual framework explaining the relationship of health and safety management among Bumiputera small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs in Malaysia. The study brings understanding on health and safety management and broader safety performance issues within Malaysia context by analysing the comprehensive literature. SMEs are in dire needs to implement health and safety management properly as it is estimated around 60% of workplace accidents that occurred are accounted to SME. Bumiputera SMEs can rely on health and safety management practices such as entrepreneur's commitment, safety training, worker's involvement in safety, safety communication, safety rules and procedures, and safety promotion policies to increase safety performance in the organization. A safety management system reflects the organization's commitment to safety which will result in improved safety performance; thus, it is worth investigating. This study reveals that there is a need for further research to discover new insights on health and safety management and enhance safety performance among Bumiputera SME entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

Exploring Determinants of Safety Behavior in Malaysian SMEs Manufacturing Firms: An Extended Conceptual Model

“…Safety training is not a one-time event but is an ongoing process to keep employees updated on new safety protocols and practices [14]. Employees acquire new knowledge and skills through safety training, making them capable of handling their work safely.…”

“…Employees acquire new knowledge and skills through safety training, making them capable of handling their work safely. Safety training also provides a platform for employees to voice their concerns and contribute to the organization's safety culture [14].…”

“…Inadequate safety knowledge has been found to contribute to workplace accidents [10,11]. To improve safety knowledge, the three pillars of safety management -safety rules and procedures, safety training, and safety communication and feedback -play a crucial role [1,3,12,13,14]. By transferring facts about the practices of carrying out their work in the safest way possible, employees are empowered to behave safely and prevent accidents from occurring.…”