Health & Safety Case to improve occupational health in small-medium enterprises

Introduction Small-medium enterprises (SME) account for a majority of workplaces in most economic sectors. Specific strategies were taken to improve OHS management in these diverse industries which can have a variety of health hazards. Measures include small business tool kits, information sessions, monetary incentives and intervention programs but innovative approaches are always needed to address this challenge. Generally, the capability of SMEs can be categorised according to the matrix of willing/unwilling/able/unable to comply with OHS regulations. Many SMEs that are ‘willing but unable’ often struggle with OHS compliance due to lack of skills, resources and capabilities in hazard management. Methods On the other side of the spectrum, major hazard facilities (MHF) run by larger companies are required to prepare a Safety Case to demonstrate their suitability to operate such a facility. This presentation explores whether the safety case concept applied for managing low frequency high consequence risks can be applied to improve health and safety in SMEs. Result A ‘fit-for-purpose’ health & safety case (H&S Case) may be prepared by most SME to demonstrate that it is managing the health & safety risks to its workers while conducting its business activity. A sample H&S case for a SME will be provided to illustrate this point. Discussion The H&S Case approach can enable SMEs to address health & safety risks upfront. thus reducing time and costs in dealing piecemeal with regulatory compliance or with ramifications of serious incidents, illness or injury. The resource constraints in ‘willing but unable’ SMEs may be tackled by providing ready access to resources that are dedicated for developing the H&S Case. How government agencies, regulators and the broader health & safety professional community can cooperate in these initiatives will be discussed (The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily of the affiliated organization).