Abstract
The establishment and growth of the small businesses in South Africa is of vital importance for economic stability and progress in the economy. A key small business management skill comprises occupational health and safety management, with particular reference to the proper identification of safety hazards and safety risks. This conceptual article set out to identify current perceptions about the concepts of safety, safety risks and safety hazards in the workplace while also identifying and analysing misconceptions regarding safety hazards. This article reports on a secondary data analysis of relevant literature on safety hazards and safety risk and the role thereof on small business success. The structure and functioning of the interrelated characteristics of safety hazards were visualised, with the objective of allowing small business owners or managers to understand how safety hazards contribute to safety risks. Proper identification of safety hazards and safety risks, along with adequate protection measures, allows for improved productivity and a reduction in operational costs. Safety hazards in the workplace, encompassing the functional and structural characteristics, such as humans and machinery, should be noted by small business owners, as applicable to all types of businesses. This article may serve as a catalyst for small business success through growth and sustainability by implementing enhanced safety management practices based on an accurate identification and analysis of safety hazards and safety risks. It allows for the identification and proactive mitigation of safety hazards and safety risks in all types of small businesses.
Highlights
South Africa is currently experiencing major challenges pertaining to economic sustainability and economic progress
Small businesses are seen as pivotal to the growth and development of the South African economy, with safety management being indicated as one of the skills required to ensure the sustainability of such businesses (Naidoo 2010)
According to Okoye and Okolie (2014:21), the successful management and financial growth of small businesses depend on the proper implementation of occupational health and safety policies and procedures, which is based on the proper identification of safety hazards and safety risks
Summary
South Africa is currently experiencing major challenges pertaining to economic sustainability and economic progress. The fundamental issue concerning safety is related to the threat or risk posed by certain factors or aspects to the well-being (safety) of humans, as well as to the condition of the natural and human-created environment. The study of workplace safety starts by examining the origin(s) and existence of the threats (safety risks) that some factors or aspects present to the safety of humans, as well as the natural and the human-developed (non-natural) environments. Such an examination needs to generate answers about the nature of the factors or aspects that pose a safety risk. Employee well-being and improved working conditions should be of particular importance to small business owners or managers as part of enhancing profitability as well as employee morale. Okanga and Groenewald (2017) posit that the proper identification of safety hazards and safety risks allows for the proactive minimisation of health and safety risks for both employees and the community
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