Assistance Program in Occupational Health and Safety for Micro and Small Enterprise

Assistance Program in Occupational Health and Safety for Micro and Small Enterprise affiliated with "The Work Safety Institute” (ISL)".     Introduction:   In Chile, approximately 70% of the employed workforce is affiliated insurance againstrisks of accidents and occupational diseases. The Institute of Work Safety (ISL) is a public administrator of this insurance. One role of the insurance administrator is to advise affiliated companies on risk management of work accidents and occupational diseases.    

Methods:   Since 2006, ISL has developed a counseling program in health and safety at work for Small and Medium Businesses. The program aims to support companies in the enforcement of occupational safety and the management of the risks of accidents. The program is made directly in companies and provides advisory activities, assessments and training to employers and their workers. After completing the program, eligible companies are formally recognized as accredited companies by the ISL. This accreditation also allows access to markets that require certification of occupational safety.    

Results:   From 2006 to date, 1234 small and medium businesses have enrolled in the program, of which 506 have achieved accreditation of the program. Directly this program has enabled the training of approximately 24,000 workers.    

Discussion:   Small and medium businesses require support programs tailored to their realities and also improve the value proposition for their businesses. These programs after the implementation phase must be maintained over time. One of the biggest obstacles to accreditation are the costs of improvements or compliance.