Workplace Health Understandings and Processes in Small Businesses: A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Literature |
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Authors: | Ellen MacEachen Agnieszka Kosny Krista Scott-Dixon Marcia Facey Lori Chambers Curtis Breslin Natasha Kyle Emma Irvin Quenby Mahood The Small Business Systematic Review Team |
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Institution: | (1) Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Avenue, Suite 800, Toronto, ON, M5G 2E9, Canada;(2) Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;(3) The Ontario HIV Network, 1300 Yonge Street, Suite 600, Toronto, ON, M4T 1X3, Canada;(4) Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;(5) Seneca College, Toronto, ON, Canada |
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Abstract: | Introduction Small businesses (SBs) play an important role in global economies, employ half of all workers, and pose distinct workplace
health problems. This systematic review of qualitative peer-reviewed literature was carried out to identify and synthesize
research findings about how SB workplace parties understand and enact processes related to occupational health and safety
(OHS). Methods The review was conducted as part of a larger mixed-method review and in consultation with stakeholders. A comprehensive literature
search identified 5067 studies. After screening for relevance, 20 qualitative articles were identified. Quality assessment
led to 14 articles of sufficient quality to be included in the meta-ethnographic findings synthesis. Results This review finds that SBs have distinctive social relations of work, apprehensions of workplace risk, and legislative requirements.
Eight themes were identified that consolidate knowledge on how SB workplace parties understand OHS hazards, how they manage
risk and health problems, and how broader structures, policies and systems shape the practice of workplace health in SBs.
The themes contribute to ‘layers of evidence’ that address SB work and health phenomena at the micro (e.g. employer or worker
behavior), meso (e.g. organizational dynamics) and macro (e.g. state policy) levels. Conclusions This synthesis details the unique qualities and conditions of SBs that merit particular attention from planners and occupational
health policy makers. In particular, the informal workplace social relations can limit workers’ and employers’ apprehension
of risk, and policy and complex contractual conditions in which SBs are often engaged (such as chains of subcontracting) can
complicate occupational health responsibilities. This review questions the utility of SB exemptions from OHS regulations and
suggests a legislative focus on the particular needs of SBs. It considers ways that workers might activate their own workplace
health concerns, and suggests that more qualitative research on OHS solutions is needed. It suggests that answers to the SB
OHS problems identified in this review might lie in third party interventions and improved worker representation. |
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