Abstract
This study explored perceptions, experiences and opportunities for the occupational safety and health professional (OSHP) as a result of COVID-19. Using qualitative methods, interviews took place with OSHPs in two organisations to understand how their role developed during the pandemic. Additionally, seven focus groups were organised and met virtually, using the Zoom platform, each addressing a different topic identified by the researchers. Participants (n = 45) from 10 different countries were distributed among the focus groups. Topics were separated into four themes: impact on the workplace; the psychosocial dynamic; medical and health issues and occupational safety and health (OSH) issues. Results were subsequently divided into seven action categories and compared with the findings from the organisational interviews. Comparison pointed to an expanded role for the OSHP including business continuity, resilience and wellbeing in addition to assessing and controlling risks emerging during the pandemic. There is also the need for a means to adequately disseminate trustworthy information. Results indicated that there was no single ‘average’ role of the OSHP, demonstrating essential contributions as a member of the management team. Results also stressed that the pandemic carried three health-related co-morbidities, stress, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and burnout. Directions for future research included: the education of the OSHP to support a move away from compliance towards risk management; determining how mental health issues in organisations should be managed; expanded roles for OSHPs within business; and implications for professional bodies, membership institutions and academia in supporting the above-mentioned emerging roles.
Highlights
The impact of COVID-19 has been considerable in the cost to human lives, human health and economic stability
Our findings support that the use of online focus groups conducted synchronously (Tates et al, 2009) is a valid way of gathering qualitative data (University of Aberdeen, 2020; Teti et al, 2020; Marques et al, 2020; Kitzinger, 1995) and together with the case study represent a valid method of undertaking a snapshot investigation
The study identified a number of key themes that build upon the existing literature and suggests that there are those who work within as occupational safety and health professional (OSHP) but others who are professionals whose roles include OSH activity
Summary
The impact of COVID-19 has been considerable in the cost to human lives, human health and economic stability. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) (2020a) stressed the need for member States to work rapidly for the on-going provision of adequate information, protection and the continuation of essential services in managing the situation. As companies prioritise these areas of concerns, OSHPs need to continually ensure that, non-COVID-19-relalted operational safety, health and fire safety issues are not ignored. Actions in company - A strong focus on adapting to allow workers to safely work from home with the appropriate equipment. As a result of Givaudan’s international efforts of its multidisciplinary CMT and its CSR teams as well as its focus on assisting local operations, the company is reflecting on lessons learnt to review the future of work including a review of policies and procedures to such as travel and work locations with a view to strengthen the company and build resilience
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