Safety audit, cost of health maintaining measures and workers training as the key elements in improvement of occupational health and safety management

Abstract

The workers health and safety takes increasingly important aspect in the industrial and commercial companies in Estonia. The workforce in ageing and there is a great shortage of high-quality workers. Job satisfaction and health in the workplace are closely intertwined. Material: working conditions of workers in industrial (garment, metal-processing industries etc.) and non-industrial buildings (hospitals, offices) were investigated. Methods: measurements of hazards, interviews with workers and employers before and after implementation of intervention methods (OHSAS 18001, Metal-Age programme etc.). Results: constructive dialogue and solving the conflict situation in the companies, also the good ergonomic conditions promote healthy relationships of the personnel. The prevention of health disturbances are in the key position.