(in German)

The aim of the project "Investigation of the state of knowledge of entrepreneurs and employees in the area of occupational safety and health in small and medium-sized enterprises" was to analyze the state of knowledge as well as the methods of acquiring knowledge used by managers and employees in the area of occupational health and safety in small and micro enterprises and to derive need-based concepts.

The project consisted of a representative telephone survey of managers in companies with up to 49 employees (N=1,000; random sample conducted on the basis of the business establishment statistics of the German Federal Employment Agency) and a representative telephone survey of employees (N=2,000; random sample on the basis of the ADM master sample).

Managers and employees alike believe that safety and health play an important role in their companies. But the main focus in most companies continues to be not to violate any occupational health and safety regulations. Both managers and employees tend to possess minimal knowledge about the legal regulations in occupational health and safety. However, even without extensive knowledge of the rules of occupational health and safety, the working conditions are being scrutinized and measures are being derived.

A large number of managers and employees would very much like to have more information on health and safety in the workplace. The professional associations are the first point of contact for managers in search of information and advice. They are present in these companies. Brochures, checklists and Internet offerings are the main items used at the management level. With respect to the usefulness of the services for an individual practice, the services where companies can learn from other companies get the highest marks.

With respect to knowledge of legal regulations and company activities in the area of occupational health and safety, five types of managers were set up: the professionals, the problem cases, the waverers, the unskilful ones and the doers.

Please download the complete report "State of knowledge of entrepreneurs in the area of occupational safety and health in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)" (in German only).