The effect of a policy measure on work-related health risks – combine the quantitative and the qualitative

Abstract Policy-makers have an urgent need for quantitative data to support their decision-making process. Since quantitative data are rarely available, the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is needed to estimate the consequences of a policy measure. In this study, we will estimate the effects of the abolishment of the risk assessment obligation on work-related health risks at small companies in low risk sectors (SCLR) in the Netherlands, using a mixed methods approach. Data were derived from surveys, literature and expert elicitation. A reduction of 26% in the number of preventive measures was predicted. However, compliance with the policy measure in SCLR was very low (27%). In all scenarios, we found statistically significant but small unfavourable effects on the exposure to work-related health risks. We concluded that the abolishment of the risk assessment obligation in SCLR will have no large effects on health and health costs.