Citation

Lansdown TC, Deighan C. Pol. Pract. Health Saf. 2011; 9(1): 33-55.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (Great Britain))

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper reports on a study undertaken to identify the psychosocial features associated with health and safety activity in small and medium-sized enterprises. These enterprises, which encompass the vast majority of businesses in the European Union, have been shown to engage in less health and safety activity compared to larger enterprises. Considering demographic and organisational factors, the study investigates the degree to which psychosocial features may predict health and safety activity. A questionnaire - developed using examples of everyday health and safety practice - was administered to 313 participants from a representative range of geographic locations and business sectors. In addition to collecting demographic data, three health and safety areas were explored: attitudes, engagement and activity. Results were subjected to a principal component analysis that identified five factors: negative beliefs about resources; positive beliefs about resources; relationships with suppliers; emotional aspects of behaviour; and beliefs about consequences. Hierarchical regression revealed that the first three of these derived attitudinal factors were significantly predictive. The introduction of decision-making and organisational factors only modestly improved the model. However, the inclusion of demographic features substantially improved the variance accounted for. The results of the study suggest that there are benefits in encouraging the enhancement of positive beliefs regarding resources over, for example, the allocation of more time to health and safety. In this context, the 'carrot' may be more effective that the 'stick' in improving health and safety activity in small and medium-sized businesses.