Safety at Work in Small Enterprises Based on Analysis of Technical, Organizational and Human Factors

Abstract The small-sized enterprises, i.e. micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), constitute the basis of the Polish economy. They are considered as a key element among all economic entities, primarily driving economic growth by strengthening GDP, but also employment growth and social integration. Most of the Polish workers are employed in enterprises of “small size”. Therefore, effective management of work safety in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises is essential. It is very important to ensure appropriate and safe working conditions for employees of “small size” economic entities, but also for their long-term functioning on the market. Unfortunately, the results of publicly available reports indicate a relatively low level of occupational health and safety in “small size” enterprises. Occupational safety is considered primarily through the analysis of the basic triad of factors, which are - “technical safety at work” (T), “organizational safety at work” (O) and “human factor” (L). The paper presents the results of research conducted in “small-sized” enterprises (micro and small enterprises), including the analysis of technical, organizational and human factors. The tools that were used to implement the research assumptions include a questionnaire for the identification of threats in “small-sized” enterprises and the assessment of factors that affect work safety - with statistical analysis