In a recent international survey of nearly 4,000 professionals, 76 percent said they go above and beyond what is required by law and regulations when it comes to managing health and safety at work. Fully 90 percent of respondents said OHS has become an integrated part of today’s corporate strategy.

The survey by DNV GL - Business Assurance and the research institute GFK Eurisko involved people from a variety of industries in Europe, the Americas and Asia.

The bigger the corporation the higher the application rate, but surprisingly, 70% of small firms are adopting specific approaches, too.

What North Americans and Swedes have in common

Questioned on what the main risk areas are, participants principally identify operational aspects, with some interesting differences between the world’s geographical areas. North Americans (66%) and Swedes (55%), for example, are those who care most about ergonomic aspects, while the structural deficiencies of machines and equipment are perceived as a main risk area especially by Asians (54%).

Operational initiatives more effective than prevention

Consequently, rather than strategically working on prevention, companies find operational initiatives to be the most effective. In fact, the ranking of the top most effective actions is topped by the regular maintenance of premises (48%) and emergency measures (46%). Organizational issues such as the assessment of all risks related to health & safety (37%) and preventive measures (35%) are down on the list.

Who is focused on what

The most advanced are North Americans, with percentages well above average not only for the effective implementation of actions aimed at controlling operative features but of actions addressing organizational issues as well: almost 1 in 2 successfully implement initiatives to minimize the number of resources exposed to risk and 44% implement risk management systems. Norwegians and Swedes, instead, stand out for the attention they pay to participation and consultation of personnel on this subject (Norway 46%; Sweden 43%).

Main drivers and obstacles

Compliance with laws and regulations (87%) is the top reason driving firms to develop actions to safeguard health & safety at work. Internal policies, indicated by 73% of professionals, come next. Occupational health & safety is a concern for global corporations independently of external repercussions that could affect market performance. Actually, brand protection (24%), public opinion (19%) and competitiveness (19%) turn out to be minor drivers.

Different regions show different attitudes. In addition to complying with the law, preserving health & safety at work is crucial to North Americans to preserve the business: 1 in 2 see these actions as a way to safeguard corporate assets and about 1 in 3 to protect property and top management or satisfy requests from insurance companies.

Lack of financial resources (31%) and focus on short term results (26%) are the main factors preventing businesses from making more progress in managing occupational health & safety all over the world.

In Asia, moreover, the burden of factors such as the decrease in efficiency (23%), lack of return on investment (19%) and lack of involvement of sub-contractors is heavier than average, highlighting that the way operations are structured is perceived as an obstacle in this region.

Future developments

For the future, professionals all over the world expect a reduction in all kinds of operational hazards. Nevertheless, they won’t neglect initiatives for safeguarding health & safety at work and will go through an important change in their attitude. Training for employees (63%), assessment of all risks (63%) and adoption of management systems or prevention programs (59%) will top the list. Efforts will move from operative aspects to organizational ones, marking a relevant step for the development of a corporate culture of occupational health & safety.

“What is certain is that the focus on the topic will be kept high in the coming years,” noted DNV GL. In fact, more than 90% of people surveyed expect to maintain or increase investments for occupational health & safety in the next 3 years.

Luca Crisciotti, CEO of DNV GL - Business Assurance, commented “A lot has changed in the way companies deal with health and safety at work. From just reacting to accidents, that was the rule years ago, to a systematic management of operational issues. An important step towards the advancement of a real corporate culture of occupational health and safety, which will enable companies to focus not only on operations but on organizational aspects and the wellbeing of workers too."

The situation varies in different areas of the world, according to legislation, different cultural attitudes and different levels of development of infrastructures, but in general, there is still a lot of work to be done. Lack of financial resources and pressure on businesses to focus on short term results make these objectives even more challenging but it is important for companies to lead change and keep working on these items,” said Crisciotti.

About DNV GL

DNV GL is a leading global certification body engaged with businesses to assure the performance of their organisations, products, people, facilities and supply chains through certification, verification, assessment, and training services.