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Safety Culture in SMEs of the Food Industry: A Case Study and Best Practices

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  • Patrycja Kabiesz

    (Faculty of Organisation and Management, Silesian University of Technology, Roosevelta 26-8, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland)

Abstract

This article highlights the importance of developing a sustainable safety culture as an important component of the long-term development of manufacturing companies, especially in SMEs. A sustainable safety culture combines principles in favor of protecting the health and lives of workers with sustainable development principles, while improving operational and environmental performance. The aim of this study was to identify best practices, challenges, and strategies for implementing this type of culture in manufacturing companies. A mixed-methods approach was used, including quantitative surveys, in-depth interviews, case study analysis, and field observations at selected companies. This research was conducted at two food companies from Poland. The findings indicate that the successful implementation of a sustainable safety culture relies on strong leadership, employee engagement, pro-active risk management, and continuous process improvement. Additionally, this article discusses major challenges, such as resistance to change, financial constraints, and regulatory complexity. Ultimately, this article provides practical recommendations for industry leaders developed from the research findings to support long-term efficiency and safety in manufacturing organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrycja Kabiesz, 2024. "Safety Culture in SMEs of the Food Industry: A Case Study and Best Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-26, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:24:p:11185-:d:1548311
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Joanna Bartnicka & Patrycja Kabiesz & Dorota Palka & Paulina Gajewska & Ejaz Ul Islam & Damian Szymanek, 2021. "Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Employers and H&S Services in Relation to the COVID-19 System in Polish Manufacturing Companies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-17, September.
    2. Zarei, Esmaeil & Khan, Faisal & Abbassi, Rouzbeh, 2021. "Importance of human reliability in process operation: A critical analysis," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 211(C).
    3. Gehad Mohammed Ahmed Naji & Ahmad Shahrul Nizam Isha & Mysara Eissa Mohyaldinn & Stavroula Leka & Muhammad Shoaib Saleem & Syed Mohamed Nasir Bin Syed Abd Rahman & Mohammed Alzoraiki, 2021. "Impact of Safety Culture on Safety Performance; Mediating Role of Psychosocial Hazard: An Integrated Modelling Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-20, August.
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