Safety Culture in SMEs of the Food Industry: A Case Study and Best Practices

Abstract

This article highlights the importance of developing a sustainable safety culture as an important component of the long-term development of manufacturing companies, especially in SMEs. A sustainable safety culture combines principles in favor of protecting the health and lives of workers with sustainable development principles, while improving operational and environmental performance. The aim of this study was to identify best practices, challenges, and strategies for implementing this type of culture in manufacturing companies. A mixed-methods approach was used, including quantitative surveys, in-depth interviews, case study analysis, and field observations at selected companies. This research was conducted at two food companies from Poland. The findings indicate that the successful implementation of a sustainable safety culture relies on strong leadership, employee engagement, pro-active risk management, and continuous process improvement. Additionally, this article discusses major challenges, such as resistance to change, financial constraints, and regulatory complexity. Ultimately, this article provides practical recommendations for industry leaders developed from the research findings to support long-term efficiency and safety in manufacturing organizations.