Occupational health and safety management in small size enterprises: an overview of the situation and avenues for intervention and research

Occupational health and safety (OHS) in small firms with less than 50 employees has received very little attention in Quebec (Canada), in terms of either research or support for preventive initiatives. Estimates suggest that small firms have serious problems aggravated by limited access to human, economic and technological resources. Moreover, it is now recognized that methods developed specifically for large firms cannot be transferred to smaller firms. This exploratory study based on telephone interviews with the owner-managers of small manufacturing enterprises gives an overview of the most characteristic OHS representations and practices in small firms. The results will be used to make an initial evaluation of small business needs, and will help orient future interventions and research. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.