The implementation of an occupational health and safety (OHS) management system is essential to the functioning of a company. In the context of globalization, companies need to be efficient and competitive while reducing the risks and costs associated with occupational accidents and diseases. Indeed, essentially dedicated to the issue of health and safety at work, the ISO 45001 standard offers a perspective to comply with the regulations, placing the worker at the heart of the managerial process while maintaining their performance objectives. Normandy, qualified as one of the most important industrial areas in France, offers an excellent case study for the issue of health and safety at work. The aim of this article is to show the scope and importance of taking into account the consultation and participation of workers in occupational health and safety management systems in companies located in Normandy.
The methodological approach was based on a literature review, field surveys of the target companies (55 companies) and data analysis. The results showed that the commitment of management and its willingness to involve the worker are the most important levers of action for building an effective management system. The integration of workers in the Occupational Health and Safety approach has thus become a reality in all companies. The results showed that the development of a prevention culture within the company is an essential aspect of the occupational risk management system. The combination of leadership, consultation and worker participation are fundamental within a company, although there are significant disparities in Normandy.
Keywords: Occupational health and safety, ISO 45001, leadership, worker, consultation, participation
