Regina Lösch1, Nadja Amler2, Hans Drexler1,2. 1. Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin (IPASUM), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen. 2. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Arbeitsmedizin und Umweltmedizin e.V. (DGAUM), München.
Abstract
AIM: Several studies have pointed out considerable deficits in the implementation of legal requirements regarding occupational safety and health (OSH) as well as company integration management in Germany. The aim of this review was a quantitative analysis of company size and fulfilment of legal requirements in OSH and company integration management in German companies over a period of time. METHODS: In October 2019, we performed a systematic literature search of German and English language publications with representative data which include the rates of OSH implementation along with company integration management in Germany. This was done using the databases Pubmed, PsycInfo and WISO. The study was updated in October 2020, while cross-referencing, with grey literature also included in the search. The analysis was carried out by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 16 relevant studies were examined with respect to OSH and company integration management. A slight decline in implementation rates of OSH care was apparent over time. In the care model, an increase in the number of employees resulted in increased need for both regular and demand-oriented care. Regardless of size, all companies were characterized by a steady rise in the implementation rates of risk assessment (including psychosocial risk assessment). In addition, the implementation rates of company inspections and company integration management exhibited an increase over time. CONCLUSION: Despite moderately increasing implementation rates in almost all sub-areas of OSH and company integration management over the last 20 years, it is evident that an area-wide implementation of legal requirements has not yet been achieved. The results indicate a standardization of methodological aspects for further studies. The implementation of legal requirements is an important factor for maintaining the employability of employees. Thieme. All rights reserved.
AIM: Several studies have pointed out considerable deficits in the implementation of legal requirements regarding occupational safety and health (OSH) as well as company integration management in Germany. The aim of this review was a quantitative analysis of company size and fulfilment of legal requirements in OSH and company integration management in German companies over a period of time. METHODS: In October 2019, we performed a systematic literature search of German and English language publications with representative data which include the rates of OSH implementation along with company integration management in Germany. This was done using the databases Pubmed, PsycInfo and WISO. The study was updated in October 2020, while cross-referencing, with grey literature also included in the search. The analysis was carried out by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 16 relevant studies were examined with respect to OSH and company integration management. A slight decline in implementation rates of OSH care was apparent over time. In the care model, an increase in the number of employees resulted in increased need for both regular and demand-oriented care. Regardless of size, all companies were characterized by a steady rise in the implementation rates of risk assessment (including psychosocial risk assessment). In addition, the implementation rates of company inspections and company integration management exhibited an increase over time. CONCLUSION: Despite moderately increasing implementation rates in almost all sub-areas of OSH and company integration management over the last 20 years, it is evident that an area-wide implementation of legal requirements has not yet been achieved. The results indicate a standardization of methodological aspects for further studies. The implementation of legal requirements is an important factor for maintaining the employability of employees. Thieme. All rights reserved.
Authors: Regina Lutz; Wolfgang Fischmann; Hans Drexler; Elisabeth Nöhammer Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-07-01 Impact factor: 4.614