Ensuring health and safety at work is a priority for any organization, but for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it can be a real challenge. A lack of resources, regulatory unfamiliarity, or the absence of a solid safety culture are among the most common difficulties.
Although occupational risk prevention (ORP) training is a legal obligation for all companies, as stated in Article 19 of the Occupational Risk Prevention Law, data shows that SMEs account for a high percentage of workplace accidents.
To ensure a safe work environment, SMEs must adopt risk prevention as a key part of their business strategy. But what are the main challenges, and how can they be effectively addressed?
Main challenges in occupational risk prevention for SMEs
According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, improving ORP in SMEs requires the participation of regulatory bodies, trade unions, and business associations. However, the involvement of employers and workers is essential to build a strong safety culture.
1. Prevention organization
The first step is to define a risk management system suited to the size and activity of the company. Legislation establishes different methods of organizing prevention depending on the number of employees and the level of risk.
2. Employee involvement and participation
Employees should not only comply with safety rules but also participate in decision-making processes related to prevention. Their involvement is key to making preventive measures part of the workplace routine and a core element of the company.
3. Risk assessment and response
It is essential to carry out a risk assessment to identify specific hazards for each job role. Based on this, appropriate preventive measures should be implemented, with regular reviews to ensure their effectiveness.
4. ORP training and information
The law requires employees to receive proper occupational risk prevention training, both theoretical and practical. They must also be informed about specific risks in their roles and the safety measures to follow.
5. Health surveillance
Health surveillance is mandatory and helps detect work-related health issues. Prevention is a key tool to avoid occupational diseases and improve quality of life at work.
How to manage a risk prevention system in an SME?
In addition to the above, to implement an effective risk prevention system, SMEs should follow several steps:
1. Assume or delegate ORP management
Depending on size and activity, an SME can manage ORP internally or delegate it to an External Prevention Service (EPS).
It can be managed in-house if the company has fewer than 10 employees (or fewer than 25 if it has only one work center), is not involved in high-risk activities (Annex I of RD 39/1997), and if the owner or designated person has the necessary ORP training.
If these requirements are not met, a worker can be trained to manage ORP internally, or the company can hire an EPS to handle it partially or fully.
2. Create a tailored Prevention Plan
Every SME must have a Prevention Plan that includes:
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- A detailed occupational risk assessment.
- A preventive activity plan with specific measures to avoid accidents and illnesses.
- A regular review of this plan is recommended, as risks can evolve due to changes in work processes, tools, or the work environment.
3. Establish emergency plans
SMEs must be prepared to act in serious risk situations. For this, they need a self-protection or emergency plan based on their activity, as well as clear procedures for responding to accidents or emergencies.
4. Audit and document the ORP system
Conducting internal and external audits allows companies to evaluate whether the prevention system is functioning properly. It is also crucial to document all preventive actions and ensure accessibility for all staff.
Managing occupational risk prevention may seem like a challenge for SMEs, despite being essential to ensure worker well-being and avoid penalties. Having a good prevention system, adapted to the company’s needs and supported by all staff, reduces accidents and improves productivity.
If your company needs guidance on occupational risk prevention, contact our experts who can answer all your questions—because workplace safety is an investment in your company’s future.
Don’t hesitate! Request the free advisory services from the Oficina Económica de Galicia.
