The theme of the conference – ‘from understanding to action’ –
was addressed. The groups identified some key issues that need to
be considered when designing, implementing and evaluating interventions
for SMEs. A fundamental issue of particular concern was
‘how to use the current knowledge’ about intervention limitations,
resources and constraints in SMEs, especially in relation to specific
sectors. Two examples were: partnership between employers and
a government agency (Sweden), and; partnership between a government agency and universities which created a ‘Centre for health
management of workers supporting SMEs’. Interventions like these
should involve participation of the social partners in the sectors.
Additional identified needs were: to build on trusted change facilitators;
participative involvement of workers in the creation of
tools, and; creation of a link between good work and product quality
and productivity. Another key issue was that successful government
intervention programmes need to reach poor SME
performers. Government commitment is essential and involves
formal and informal intermediaries such as industry associations,
networks and services (e.g. public health services) and local community
groups (e.g. church communities). A relationship to these
intermediaries needs to be developed with a give-and-take
approach. Governments need to provide seed funding to develop
collaboration within a targeted sector to develop networks and
common rules and standards. Governments also need to enforce
jointly developed standards to create engagement from owner
managers.
Finally to conclude, suggestions for future research and action
were to: maintain a focus on ‘creating healthy lives in healthy businesses’,
encourage more decision makers and politicians to participate
in research on OSH in SMEs, create an international network
of researchers, legislators and politicians to address OSH SME
issues internationally, extend the focus on applied practice
addressing health leadership, practical tools, occupational health
services, conduct more case studies of good practice, determine
how to implement risk assessment, address psychosocial risk management,
consider the role of occupational health/medical services
and/or occupational physicians, and address the relation between
corporate social responsibility and health and safety issues in the
future management of safety of SMEs.