Development of Multi-Dimensional Action Checklist for Promoting New Approaches in Participatory Occupational Safety and Health in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Abstract

To meet diversified health needs in workplaces, especially in developed countries, occupational safety and health (OSH) activities should be extended. The objective of this study is to develop a new multi-dimensional action checklist that can support employers and workers in understanding a wide range of OSH activities and to promote participation in OSH in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The general structure of and specific items in the new action checklist were discussed in a focus group meeting with OSH specialists based upon the results of a literature review and our previous interviews with company employers and workers. To assure practicality and validity, several sessions were held to elicit the opinions of company members and, as a result, modifications were made. The new multi-dimensional action checklist was finally formulated consisting of 6 core areas, 9 technical areas, and 61 essential items. Each item was linked to a suitable section in the information guidebook that we developed concomitantly with the action checklist. Combined usage of the action checklist with the information guidebook would provide easily comprehended information and practical support. Intervention studies using this newly developed action checklist will clarify the effectiveness of the new approach to OSH in SMEs.

Development and Process Evaluation of the Participatory and Action-Oriented Empowerment Model Facilitated by Occupational Health Nurses for Workplace Health Promotion in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

“…The combined use of the new action checklist and the information guidebook, as well as the book of good practices, provides concrete and practical knowledge for WHP and guidance on available resources outside the company 18,20) . These easy-to-understand, information-focused empowerment tools will help people get integrated knowledge and motivation for WHP and will encourage utilization of external occupational health services 18,20) .…”

“…The new action checklist was multi-dimensional and was expected to bring about a company's voluntary initiative into various areas of WHP 18) . The multi-dimensional action checklist consisted of 6 core areas, 9 technical areas, and 61 essential items 18) .…”

“…The new action checklist was multi-dimensional and was expected to bring about a company's voluntary initiative into various areas of WHP 18) . The multi-dimensional action checklist consisted of 6 core areas, 9 technical areas, and 61 essential items 18) . In addition to technical areas previously described, several new areas had been suggested for WHP activities in SMEs 18) , such as mental health promotion and a healthy workplace climate.…”

“…The multi-dimensional action checklist consisted of 6 core areas, 9 technical areas, and 61 essential items 18) . In addition to technical areas previously described, several new areas had been suggested for WHP activities in SMEs 18) , such as mental health promotion and a healthy workplace climate. As an intelligible information-focused tool for empowering workers and employers to utilize external facilities and to activate WHP in SMEs, the information guidebook was developed.…”

“…New action checklists that cover a wide-range of OSH activities are needed to meet a variety of health needs and to address risks in the workplace. We have attempted to develop a new action checklist to meet these needs and have reported on its first version 18) . As for the utilization of OH professionals, the OSH law only requires the employment of occupational physicians and occupational administrators.…”