Emergence of joint health and safety committees in Algerian companies: an exploratory study

Abstract

PurposeThe objective of this article is to carry out an exploratory study on the emergence of health and safety committees (HSC) in Algerian companies.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology chosen, governed by the systemic approach, is centered on the exploration of HSC emergence factors in companies.FindingsThe suggested method consists in defining hypotheses found in the literature on the emergence of HSC in order to affirm or refute them in the case of Algerian companies.Research limitations/implicationsDespite the fact that a good number of Algerian industrial companies were solicited; the number of respondents was limited. This limitation confirms the difficulty commonly encountered in exploratory studies by questionnaire.Practical implicationsThe results of this exploratory study serve as a basis for the elaboration of a national action plan dedicated to HSC emergence in Algerian companies.Originality/valueThis is the first study conducted in Algerian companies on HSC emergence. The identification of emergence problems allows drawing up an effective action plan to solve them.

IJHG27.4 Review

“…This paper reports on the introduction of occupational health and safety (OHS) in Algerian companies. While acknowledging the importance of OHS in aspects such as strike reduction and improved workplace quality, Bousfot et al (2022) note the dearth of studies examining the effect of introducing HSCs in developing countries such as Algeria. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the emergence of HSCs in Algeria, particularly in terms of OHS improvements.…”

“…The firms invited to participate were from different industrial sectors and included those in both private and public ownership. The survey given to respondents was adapted from one previously validated by Nichol et al , in 2017, who are referenced in the article by Bousfot et al (2022). Responses were anonymous.…”

“…The final two articles are both outliers to some extent. Bousfot et al (2022) examine the role of HSCs in Algerian industry and outline the reasons why they are often ineffective. Do these same problems apply to occupational health and safety in your country or in the industries within which you work?…”