Risk assessment tools for small enterprises : evaluation of uptake and effect

• Background: Risk assessment is a core component in the management of the working environment. Risk assessment helps identify and prioritize risks and reduce risks through implementation of control measures. Aim: To evaluate how tools for risk assessment are used by small enterprises and what the result is from using the tools. Method: Randomly selected small enterprises in printing and electroplating industry were contacted and asked to participate in an evaluation of tools for chemical risk assessment developed to suit small enterprises. An initial interview was made with the enterprises accepting to participate in the testing, aiming at surveying how they use to assess chemical risks. The enterprises were provided with one out of six tools. Ten enterprises in each sector were asked to test each tool, adding up to 20 enterprises testing each tool. After three and six months the enterprise was contacted. If they had tested the tool, a new interview was made, exploring their opinion on the tool and their experiences from using it. Enterprises not having tested the tools were also interviewed about the reasons why they did not use the tool they were provided. In enterprises having used the tools, an expert risk assessment was made and compared to the risk assessment of the enterprise in order to evaluate the quality of the risk assessment tool and the enterprise's use of it. Result: More than 60 % of the enterprises accepted to test the tools, reflecting an interest and concern for chemical risks in their work environment. The follow-up interviews are currently conducted and will be finished during April 2009. The results show how risk assessment works in practice in small enterprises. The study has revealed several problems with different tools and some unexpected results. One example is that several enterprises have concluded that they are content with their old method for risk assessment, which was using safety data sheets, reflecting a profound lack of understanding of what risk assessment is about. Results from the evaluation will be presented, showing how small enterprises perceive the different kinds of tools tested and what the outcomes in terms of quality are of the tested tools. The results will be discussed in relation to the enterprises and their previous experience of and knowledge about risk assessment.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Arbetsmedicin och miljömedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Occupational Health and Environmental Health (hsv//eng)

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