Occupational Safety and Health in Small Construction Enterprises

This study was initiated as a response to the need for more knowledge of occupational safety and health (OSH) in small enterprises in the Norwegian construction industry, and the purpose was to identify whether there needs to be a particular focus on these. The aim was approached by examining whether small enterprises differ from larger ones in terms of e.g. sick leave, health issues, working environment, and safety aspects; and what specific challenges small enterprises experience that should be prioritized regarding OSH. The findings are based on a combination of different data sources, including data on sick leaves, injuries, exposures, and health outcomes; interviews with key personnel in eight small enterprises and one larger enterprise; a workshop with central actors in the industry; and a review of existing research literature. The findings show that there are differences between small enterprises and larger ones when it comes to injuries, certain exposures, and health outcomes. Even though small enterprises often experience flexibility, closeness, and effective internal communication, specific challenges include the wide range of customers and project types; inadequacy of resources and competence on OSH; differing experiences with coordination, follow-up and involvement in large projects; and the importance of a common safety culture - both in projects and in the industry. The paper concludes that workers in small construction enterprises have high risk for certain OSH exposures and outcomes and therefore should be prioritized in future national safety efforts.

Keywords: Occupational safety and health, Small enterprises, Construction industry.