Public health risk management in international companies

Abstract

The positive impact of the introduction of labor protection standards (OH&S) in the organization is recognized by governments, employers, and workers. However, knowledge of its effective use in small and medium-sized enterprises is still limited. This case study aims to provide a better understanding of how the implementation of integrated management systems (IMS) affects the improvement of the risk management process in the field of occupational safety in medium-sized businesses. Particular attention was paid to employee awareness of the effectiveness of risk management. The study was conducted in companies working in the field of solid waste management, certified in 2009 with IMS for quality–environment, health, and safety. The development of accidents before and after the introduction of IMS was analyzed, and Internet resources were used to describe the perception. Finally, it has been demonstrated that there has been an improvement in the accounting for accidents at work and that IMS has brought more involvement to risk management activities, but their participation has not yet been reached the desired level.