Community news|27/10/14

For SMEs, investing in OSH is profitable!

Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe > For SMEs, investing in OSH is profitable!

The EU-OSHA recently published a collection of case studies on the cost-benefit analysis of OSH measures. In its view, the results are clear: investing in OSH is profitable even for SMEs.

SMEs by themselves account for 67% of employment in the EU, but also 82% of occupational injuries. Motivating them to prevent occupational risks therefore has major implications, on both the human and financial levels. Via 13 case studies, the EU-OSHA endeavours to demonstrate to SMEs that they have everything to gain by investing in OSH. A vast range of sectors is covered: agriculture, bakery, metalworking, floor coverings, construction and waste treatment. 11 of the 13 cases show a positive return on investment in five years.

In the Netherlands, for example, an SME specialized in cucumber picking was able to reduce sick leave due to MSD by 20%, by investing in a new system for picking and processing cucumbers. The investment was recouped in four years and the company was able to expand. In another example, the workers of a Lithuanian furniture manufacturing firm complained of being exposed to dust, fumes and metallic particles. The firm therefore invested in an air filtration system and in new personal protective equipment (PPE). The return on investment was positive in only one year.
Read the report

Discover other news

Abroad

18/03/24

SWEDEN: Noise is the third leading cause of occupational illness in men

Noise is the 3rd most frequent cause of recognised occupational disease (OD), after vibration and carpal tunnel syndrome. Between 2013 and 2022, 95% of these occupational diseases affected men, particularly those aged over 45, working in the industrial and construction sectors. Preventive measures can make a big difference.

Community news

18/03/24

Free access to European harmonised technical standards

The new ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) of 5 March 2024 in the so-called “Malamud” case (C-588/21 P) will have a significant impact on standardisation work in Europe and will make access to so-called harmonised standards free of charge.

Community news

28/02/24

OSH measures key to prevent violence and harassment at work

More than one in five workers in the 25 countries surveyed have experienced violence and harassment at work, according to a new report by the ILO. Creating an environment free of these problems requires “a cooperative approach and social dialogue within companies on occupational health and safety (OHS)”.