Institutional effects on occupational health and safety management systems

Abstract

Research analyzing the effects of occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) has been divided roughly between support for and criticism of these systems. This article adopts a new, explorative perspective by analyzing how different national institutional environments are likely to affect the functioning of OHSMS. The argument of this article is that such functioning is greatly dependent on the features of the national institutional environment in which such systems are implemented. The article discusses three ideal types of market economy (i.e., liberal market economy, coordinated market economy, and particularistic environment) in relation to industrial relations systems, prevailing organizational templates, and patterns of skills formation. It assesses the possible impact of these features on the functioning of OHSMS. C

De-Icing of aircraft: Incorporating business risks and occupational health and safety

“…It is also necessary to materialize this integration in interdisciplinary or even inter-sectorial contexts, which poses the challenge of determining the applicability of definitions and evaluation methods to the uncertainty concept (Péry et al [25]). The degree of integration of risks will also depend on the size, structure and competitive positioning of the business concerned (Gangolells et al [26]). Characteristics such as these dictate which management tool to adopt (Rocha [27]).…”

“…For project-type processes involving much technical variability, subsystems, temporary locations (e.g. construction, mining, maintenance activities) integration is difficult (Gangolells et al [26]). The challenges stem from deficiencies in understanding how to integrate these standards at the planning stage and in understanding of risk identification, evaluation and control, and from gaps in support from certification agencies and poor suitability of the technical guides they offer (Gangollels et al [26]).…”

“…construction, mining, maintenance activities) integration is difficult (Gangolells et al [26]). The challenges stem from deficiencies in understanding how to integrate these standards at the planning stage and in understanding of risk identification, evaluation and control, and from gaps in support from certification agencies and poor suitability of the technical guides they offer (Gangollels et al [26]). Some are attempting to meet these challenges for conventional processes in the manufacturing sector (Rebelo et al [33], Oliveira [34]).…”

Attending Weak Signals: The Prevention of Work-related Illnesses

“…Such systems involve formalized routines that focus on systematic management, documentation, and control procedures OHSMS often includes work environment policies, performance measurements, and audit procedures into the mix. Rocha (2010) concludes that organizations frequently use such systematic work to create an environment in which illness prevention and wellbeing are prioritized but states that researchers disagree on whether such systems achieve this aim. Kamp and Le Blansch (2000) argue, for instance, that health-management systems lead to bureaucratization and distract organizations from the creativity and experimentation necessary for learning how to avoid accidents.…”

“…Kamp and Le Blansch (2000) argue, for instance, that health-management systems lead to bureaucratization and distract organizations from the creativity and experimentation necessary for learning how to avoid accidents. For an extensive overview of the criticism of OHSMS, see Rocha (2010). Hohnen and Hasle (2011) argue that certified systems emphasize facts that can be measured and audited, and they de-emphasize 'the professional judgement of workers' (p. 1029).…”