Workers’ representation in OHS activities: Example of Estonian industrial sector
Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia
*Correspondence: piia.tint@ttu.ee
Abstract:
The safety level in 11 Estonian enterprises was investigated. Some of them have implemented OHSAS 18001 or belong to foreign corporations. These enterprises have generally good or very good safety level. The larger the enterprise is, the better are the possibilities to give regular training for the work environment representative (WER) in occupational health and safety. The study includes quantitative and qualitative study. The MISHA method is used as the tool for quantitative study. The parts from the interviews with the enterprises representatives’ (management and employees) concerning the role of the WER in the safety performance (qualitative study) are included. The clarification and appropriate application of the WER’s role and position are the key elements to raise the safety level at enterprises. Two hypothesis: 1) on the connections between the real and formal safety elements concerning WERs and 2) OHSAS 18001 implementation effectiveness on safety activities (including WERs’ role improvement) were proved with statistics: Factor analysis were carried out with KMO and Barlett’s test, ANOVA and T-square test with Wilks’ Lambda row.Additionally, knowledge management in safety may enhance the activities among WERs and thus, increase the safety performance in enterprises.
Key words:
management responsibilities in safety and health, safety activities at small and medium-sized enterprises, safety and health management, work environment, work environment representative