More than half of small and medium sized enterprises carry out risk assessments, according to initial findings from Germany’s Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)
The findings, published a report titled “Risk Assessment and Occupational Safety Organisation in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises”, show that 56% of SMEs conduct risk assessments.
However, implementation varies considerably by company size. Among businesses with 50 or more employees, 95% carry out a risk assessment, compared with 44% of micro enterprises employing between one and five people.
Traditional workplace hazards receive greater focus
The survey found that risk assessments more frequently address traditional occupational health and safety hazards associated with machinery and tools than psychological pressures such as time and performance demands.
BAuA also examined health protection measures introduced by companies during the previous three years.
Infection control measures were implemented by 92% of SMEs following the coronavirus pandemic, while 77% introduced measures to protect against workplace accidents. Ergonomic workplace design measures were reported by 63%.
Psychological risks addressed less frequently
Measures targeting psychological pressures were less widespread. Just over half of SMEs, 52%, had implemented measures intended to prevent time and performance pressure, while 49% had taken action to limit long or irregular working hours.
Measures addressing workplace conflicts were in place at 39% of companies.
Smaller businesses report fewer measures
Company size was also a significant factor in the implementation of health protection measures.
For almost all measures examined, larger companies reported implementation more frequently. Micro enterprises with fewer than ten employees reported health protection measures significantly less often than medium sized businesses employing between 50 and 249 people.
The findings show that while most SMEs conduct risk assessments, differences remain according to company size and the types of hazards considered.
BAuA found that psychological pressures continue to be considered less frequently than accident risks and other traditional occupational health and safety hazards.
