Abstract
Work organizations rapidly change, triggering the need for a dynamic approach regarding the occupational health and safety and accident prevention. The objective of this research is to examine the influence of the factor 'organisation of the working time' upon the occupational accidents in enterprises as well as to suggest a model of an impact mechanism of working time organization on the occurrence and prevention of accidents/near accidents, using a representative Bulgarian sample. The research is based on a survey conducted in 2016 among 410 employees (52.9% women; 47.1% men) from all economic sectors. Statistical processing and analysis are performed by SPSS/PSPP and statistical modeling by EViews/Gretl. Results show that approximately every fifth employee works longer than the standard weekly occupation of 40 hours; 17.1% of all suffered work-related accident(s); 36.2% work overtime and 41.1% recognize the presence of work-related health problems (most common are total fatigue, back pain, stress and headache). Among those respondents claiming to have work-related health problems, accidents at work occur most frequently when working over 40 h/week. The suggested 3-stage impact mechanism of the working time organization on the occurrence and prevention of occupational accidents allows us to track the chain effects of existing practices in enterprises with regard to working time organization, employees' well-being and the occurrence of work accidents. Prevention strategies should consider changes in scheduling practices, job redesign, and health protection programmes.
Highlights
A growing body of evidence suggests that working hours' organisation adversely affects the health and wellbeing of workers
- the demographic changes in EU with the emerging trend of an aging workforce require taking concrete measures regarding the risks leading to occupational accidents and diseases regarding aged workers. - another indicator, influenced by the trends of feminization of the workforce in our continent is taking into account the specific characteristics of women in terms of health and safety at work and the labour organization. - particular attention should be paid to young people who are at 50 % greater risk of accidents, compared with their more experienced colleagues. - specialized information and awareness campaigns and programs for risk prevention and work accidents are recommended for employees in small and micro enterprises as well as for the self-employed
At present we face a number of challenges related to ensuring sustainability in the economy and technological progress, employment, especially the creation of green jobs, stabilization of social security systems, education, quality jobs and effective balance of work, family and private life
Summary
A growing body of evidence suggests that working hours' organisation adversely affects the health and wellbeing of workers. Studies have associated overtime and extended work schedules with an increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, fatigue, stress, depression, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic infections, diabetes, general health complaints, and all-cause mortality. The common perception is that the rapidly changing risks at work can be controlled effectively only when everyone in the organization has a proactive approach. Some studies have detected evidence of a relation between working hours' organisation and the increased risk of occupational injuries among workers in specific occupations like construction workers, nurses, healthcare professionals, miners, bus drivers, fire-fighters (Mirchev & Titopoulou, 2013; Sparks et al, 1997; Spuegeon, 2013)
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