An ICT-prevention tool specifically focused on Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Introduction
Belgian economy is driven by small and medium sized enterprises. With an average of one accident per 10 workers per year, SME show the highest rates of injuries and the risk of developing work-related diseases is higher. Occupational health and safety knowledge and culture in SME is less developed and requires special attention of occupational health services (OHS). OHS coverage in SME is difficult due to financial, capacity and organisational constraints. In this project, an ICT tool was developed to improve the coverage and quality of occupational safety and health (OSH).

Methods
Idewe, a Belgian OHS, covers 30000 SME (with < 50 workers) active in 60 sectors. An ICT-tool, called BRIE (Better Risk Inventory and Evaluation) was developed to give relevant OSH advice in an efficient way. Multidisciplinary observation frameworks, describing the occupational risks per sector, were created to guide the OSH specialist during the workplace visits. Hot items were defined and risk profiles were made. An innovative report generator provides employer and workers an overview of the main risks and preventive measures to reduce them.

Results
With BRIE, IDEWE could improve the coverage, quality and the administrative load was reduced significantly. The time is now invested in risk assessments at workplaces. The understandable risk profiles are an excellent way to discuss prevention with employers. BRIE is interfaced with the electronic medical file to carry out a risk-driven health surveillance. OSH indicators can be generated per sector and reported.

Discussion
With an accident rate higher then average, OHS must consider SME as their main target for prevention. ICT tools like BRIE allow OHS to save on administration costs and provide user-friendly output to inform and support the SME-employer.