The impact of occupational health and safety (Oh&s) management systems on risk management practices

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the key practices of occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) and occupational health and safety risk management practices (OHSRMP). For the research purposes, the authors have elaborated the theoretical constitution of research dimensions and research model was developed, in accordance with relevant literature sources. This study was based on a questionnaire as a research instrument. The key dimensions were operationalised with 47 manifest variables, within seven dimensions of OHSMS (i.e. leadership, employee involvement, work environment, stress management and OHS training) and one higher-order dimension of OHSRMP. The study was conducted in Serbia. The sample was consisted of 116 organisations, from various industry sectors. The research model was found to be valid and reliable. In order to examine the impact of the predictors variables, multiple linear regression was performed, using Minitab software. The results show that the relationship between leadership and risk management is not statistically significant, whereas the other predictor variables are proved to have strong statistically significant positive impact. OHS training has the greatest positive influence on risk management, which is known to be one of the most important practices in effective OHSMS.