The effects of occupational health and safety management on work environment and health: a prospective study.
According to Norway's Internal Control Regulation, all companies are required to have an occupational health and safety (H&S) management system. This study investigated the effects of implementing or improving occupational H&S management on the work environment, H&S-related behaviour and musculoskeletal health of workers in small and medium-sized companies. A one-year prospective cohort study, using self-administered questionnaires, was performed among the managers and blue-collar workers in 226 motor vehicle repair garages. Out of 1559 workers that responded at baseline 721 workers could be identified at follow-up. These 721 workers were included in the study. The workers in companies with improved H&S management from baseline to follow-up reported increased satisfaction with the H&S activities at the garage; improved support from management and colleagues; improved health-related support and control; and increased participation in H&S activities.
Torp
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Faculty of Health Science, Centre for Health Promotion in Settings, Vestfold University College, P.O. Box 2243, N-3103 Tønsberg, Norway. steffen.torp@hive.no
Moen
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009664:Norway; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017751:Safety Management; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace