Occupational Health and Safety in Small Enterprises: A Field Study in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This research aims at familiarizing the business environment in Small Enterprises (SEs) in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia with occupational accidents that occur due to the lack of interest and belief of the enterprise administration in this issue, a trained supervisor, and the non-compliance of workers with the rules and regulations of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). It also demonstrates the role of Civil Defense in reducing the number of such accidents. The research makes some recommendations that may contribute to improving the OHS level. A survey questionnaire was distributed among 170 employees, supervisors, and owners of SEs. This survey was conducted before the development of questions required for the study. The results of the study have shown that there is a statistically significant correlation between the reduction of OHS and the administration's belief in adopting and implementing OHS systems. Also, there are statistically significant differences between the reduction of OHS accidents, the workers' personal characteristics, their technical qualification and training, and their manners and awareness. Moreover, the results have shown that workers do not care about the use of OHS means, and are not willing to use modern technology. The study recommends that the enterprise administration should pay attention to adopting OHS systems and creating an accident-free work environment. This is in addition to working side by side with workers, encouraging them to use the OHS means, giving them their rights, appointing trained supervisors, cooperating with Civil Defense especially in cases of any accidents, using modern technology, and getting insurance coverage for workers and the enterprise assets.