The improvement of the occupational health and safety system in the production company in Latvia

I. Cepure¹, Ž. Roja¹, H. Kaļķis¹²* and G. Lāma¹

¹University of Latvia, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Human Factors and Work Environment, Jelgavas iela 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
²University of Latvia, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Department of Management and Business, Aspazijas blvd. 5, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: henrijs.kalkis@lu.lv

Abstract:

Various studies indicate that occupational health and safety (OHS) systems are essential for preventing workplace accidents, maintaining employee’s well-being, and ensuring long-term work ability, particularly in production environments undergoing technological and organizational change. As production companies introduce new technologies, upgrade equipment and adjust workflows, emerging risks require continuous adaptation of OHS practices in order to promote productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the existing OHS system in one of Latvia’s largest manufacturing companies and develop improvement opportunities, focusing on employee awareness, behavioural patterns and systemic areas. A cross-sectional survey design was used to evaluate employee awareness, compliance, involvement and perceptions of work–rest organization and health promotion activities. Data was collected using a questionnaire developed by the authors and adjusted to the existing company’s OHS system. A total of 234 from 1,200 employees participated. The results show a generally positive awareness of the OHS system. Production company’s OHS system is largely effective in informing and educating employees about workplace safety and risks. However, improvements are needed in reinforcing safe behaviour, strengthening employee participation, ensuring transparent reporting channels and optimizing balance of work–rest time. Addressing these areas through behavioural safety interventions, ergonomic fatigue management strategies and clearer communication mechanisms may substantially enhance safety culture and reduce workplace accidents in the production environment.

Key words:

Integrating ergonomics principles and workplace health protection and promotion to improve safety and health at work – evidence from Estonia

K. Kuimet¹, M. Järvis²* and A. Virovere³

¹,³Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences, Suur-Sõjamäe 10a,
EE11415 Tallinn, Estonia
²Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia
*Correspondence: karin.kuimet@eek.ee

Abstract:

Previous scientific literature indicates that organisations manage workplace health promotion (WHP) in different ways. Despite conceptual and empirical justification, researchers have not consistently included concepts of WHP in ergonomics and safety studies.
The objective of the study is to explore workplace health protection and promotion activities available in Estonian organisations and to assess how ergonomic principles are integrated with workplace health protection and promotion within an organisation.
The current study adopted a multi-method approach. The WHP activities were evaluated using the questionnaire of 36 items administrated to all members (organisations) of the Estonian Human Resource Management Association. A qualitative approach includes eight case studies (organisations, with the best practices of WHP and ergonomic interventions), semi-structured interviews with human resource personnel.
The data reveal key issues in WHP management in Estonian organisations. A statistical analysis of WHP questionnaires shows many organisations with outstanding programs and positive employers’ perceptions towards WHP. However, qualitative data indicate some important aspects of WHP and drawing attention to contextual variables in the development of safety management systems and improving the integration of ergonomics programs with WHP. The main contribution of the study is providing the conceptual clarification on incorporated WHP, how it complements a safety management system and showing its possible effect on employees’ health, safety behaviour and on knowledge exchange. It is essential for the established WHP program to have a fully integrated part of safety management system in the organisation and employees’ health and healthy behaviour must be recognised, acknowledged and be managed.

Key words:

ergonomics, health behaviour, health promotion, health protection, healthy workplace