Systematic health, environment and safety activities: do they influence occupational environment, behaviour and health?

This study investigated the relationships between systematic health, enviro nment and safety (HES) activities (as defined by Norway's Internal Control Regulation), the working environment, and workers' health-related behaviour and health. A questionnaire on systematic HES activities was answered by 2 37 managers of motor vehicle repair garages. A further questionnaire, on th e working environment, health-related behaviour and health, was answered by workers (n=2174) from the same garages. Using regression analysis, systema tic HES activities were positively and significantly correlated with the fo llowing separate outcome variables, measured at an individual level: satisf action with HES activities, physical working environment, social support, H ES-related management support, health-related support, and control and work ers' participation in activities related to occupational health. Workers at garages with systematic HES activities reported fewer musculoskeletal symp toms. Firm conclusions on the direction of causality are difficult to draw because of the cross-sectional design.