Factors contributing to the effective operation of occupational health and safety committees: A scoping review and conceptual framework.

چکیده اصلی

INTRODUCTION: Scholarly evidence suggests that the effectiveness of Occupational Health and Safety Committees (OHSCs) may rely on various factors. However, it remains unclear which specific factors influence OHSC functionality and how they may be interconnected. This scoping review aimed to identify, map, and analyze empirical studies from four major bibliographic databases (Scopus, EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Web of Science) to explore which factors, attributes, or characteristics contribute to the effective operation of OHSCs. METHOD: Nine studies from 2014 to 2024 were identified across seven different industries, with the healthcare sector being the most represented. The findings revealed 63 factors grouped into eight themes: OHSC composition, OHSC governance, OHSC resources, OHSC roles and responsibilities, OHSC external communication, OHSC influence, OHSC members' attitudes, management, and workers' support for OHSC. The discussion of these themes in relation to other literature led to the development of a preliminary conceptual framework for the effective operation of OHSCs, illustrating the interconnectedness and interdependence of the themes and their associated factors. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This framework, along with the identified factors, can play a vital role in guiding improvements in industry practices and standards. It can also inform future research by contextualizing its themes and factors within local parameters, such as organizational complexity, cultural elements, resources available, and legislative expectations.

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