SESAME

EU-OSHA’s wide-ranging project ‘Improving OSH in micro and small enterprises’ (2014-18) aimed to identify key success factors, in relation to policies, strategies and practical solutions, for improving OSH in MSEs in Europe.

What does research tell us about OSH in MSEs?

The first phase of the project revealed the extent of the OSH challenges faced by MSEs across Europe and some of the factors that contribute to poor OSH management in these enterprises. The literature review Contexts and arrangements for occupational safety and health in micro and small enterprises in the EU points to a ‘general and multifaceted lack of resources’, causing a substantial proportion of MSEs to pursue ‘low road’ business strategies. The key characteristics of such companies are a weak economic position; concerns about economic survival; lack of investment in OSH; limited knowledge, awareness and competence on the part of owner-managers; and attitudes and priorities that do not favour OSH.

The workplace perspective

OSH attitudes and practices in MSEs were explored through 360 in-depth interviews with both workers and owner-managers. Some of the frequently observed attitudes included a strongly reactive approach to OSH; the perception that ‘common sense’ is a sufficient OSH measure and the belief that risks are ‘part of the job’. However, examples of good practices were also found.

Read the report Safety and health in micro and small enterprises in the EU: the view from the workplace.

Are there good practices we can build on?

There are a variety of examples from across Europe of successful OSH policies, strategies and tools that target OSH in MSEs. Over 40 such interventions are described in depth in Safety and health in micro and small enterprises in the EU: from policy to practice — description of good examples.

The good examples were explored further to determine ‘what works, for whom and in what circumstances’, including their wide-ranging potential for positive impact and transferability.

Read the report From policy to practice: policies, strategies, programmes and actions supporting OSH in micro and small enterprises, which also explores the experiences of OSH intermediaries that work with MSEs.

How can we ensure that OSH policies and interventions reach MSEs?

The overall findings of the project have been analysed to provide evidence-based recommendations for the development of more effective policy programmes and interventions aimed at improving OSH in MSEs. Safety and health in micro and small enterprises in the EU: Final report from the 3-year SESAME project points to the importance of:

• engaging all key regulatory actors;
• strengthening regulatory inspections;
• offering sustainable, easily applicable and transferable solutions;
• the better integration of OSH into sector-specific education systems;
• the involvement of trade unions and employers’ organisations in the development of policies that can reach MSEs;
• better supply chain arrangements.