Carol E Brown1, Thomas R Cunningham2, Lee S Newman3, Paul A Schulte2. 1. Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, CO, USA. 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA. 3. Center for Health, Work & Environment and Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, CO, USA.
Abstract
Objectives: The specific objectives of the 2017 Understanding Small Enterprises Conference were to: (i) identify successful strategies for overcoming occupational safety and health (OS&H) barriers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); (ii) disseminate best practices to research and business communities; (iii) build collaborations between different stakeholders including researchers, insurers, small enterprises, government agencies; and (iv) better inform OS&H research relevant to SMEs. Methods: A two and a half day international conference was organized, building upon three previously successful iterations. This conference brought together researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders from 16 countries to share best practices and emerging strategies for improving OS&H in SMEs. Findings: Cross-cutting themes that emerged at the conference centered around: 1) stakeholder and intermediary involvement; 2) what occupational health and safety looks like across different industries; 3) intervention programs (tools and resources); 4) precarious and vulnerable work and the informal sector; and 5) Total Worker Health® in SMEs. Conclusion: A number of innovative initiatives were shared at the conference. Researchers must build collaborations involving a variety of stakeholder groups to ensure that OS&H solutions are successful in SMEs. Future OS&H research should continue to build upon the successful work of the 2017 Understanding Small Enterprises Conference.
Objectives: The specific objectives of the 2017 Understanding Small Enterprises Conference were to: (i) identify successful strategies for overcoming occupational safety and health (OS&H) barriers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); (ii) disseminate best practices to research and business communities; (iii) build collaborations between different stakeholders including researchers, insurers, small enterprises, government agencies; and (iv) better inform OS&H research relevant to SMEs. Methods: A two and a half day international conference was organized, building upon three previously successful iterations. This conference brought together researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders from 16 countries to share best practices and emerging strategies for improving OS&H in SMEs. Findings: Cross-cutting themes that emerged at the conference centered around: 1) stakeholder and intermediary involvement; 2) what occupational health and safety looks like across different industries; 3) intervention programs (tools and resources); 4) precarious and vulnerable work and the informal sector; and 5) Total Worker Health® in SMEs. Conclusion: A number of innovative initiatives were shared at the conference. Researchers must build collaborations involving a variety of stakeholder groups to ensure that OS&H solutions are successful in SMEs. Future OS&H research should continue to build upon the successful work of the 2017 Understanding Small Enterprises Conference.
Authors: Natalie V Schwatka; Derek Smith; David Weitzenkamp; Adam Atherly; Miranda J Dally; Claire V S Brockbank; Liliana Tenney; Ron Z Goetzel; Kimberly Jinnett; James McMillen; Lee S Newman Journal: Ann Work Expo Health Date: 2018-09-13 Impact factor: 2.179
Authors: Laura Linnan; Mike Bowling; Jennifer Childress; Garry Lindsay; Carter Blakey; Stephanie Pronk; Sharon Wieker; Penelope Royall Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2007-11-29 Impact factor: 9.308