Abstract
Although small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have higher rate of occupational accidents that would warrant stricter regulations, regulatory requirements have instead have been relaxed due to their limited resources. Despite the implementation of technical and financial support measures through the Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance Special Account, these interventions have shown limited effectiveness. Initiatives such as guidance and advice from experienced accident prevention advisors, as well as tax incentive systems for companies actively engaging in occupational health and safety, failed to yield meaningful results and were subsequently discontinued. Similarly, the public “Safety Project,” which publishes information on companies’ proactive safety initiatives, has struggled to attract a sufficient number of participants. Therefore, potential measures to address these challenges include: 1) Strengthening and expanding the mandatory training system for occupational health and safety officers in companies where occupational accidents or health impairments occur. 2) Introducing a framework that requires clients to evaluate the workforce and occupational health and safety measures of contractors, supported by a certification system. 3) Developing AI-based systems to provide occupational health and safety information. 4) Supporting venture businesses in building management resources such as personnel, capital, offices, and clients, while implementing policies to ensure proper health and safety management. In any case, as business stability in SMEs is closely linked to occupational health and safety, it is essential to promote management support and occupational health and safety policies in parallel.
