Responsabilidad Social Corporativa en Salud y Seguridad en el Trabajo: dimensiones, realidad y perspectivas

Abstract

The Corporative Social Responsibility (CSR) is a voluntary company strategy that could help to improve the occupational safety and health (OSH). Nevertheless, the relationship between CSR and OSH has been poorly studied. The objectives of the study are to describe and assess this relationship in several companies. Qualitative methodology by means of individual semi-structured interviews was used and analysis of the content. Initially 5 experts were interviewed, and later 43 informants from 14 companies located in Barcelona, using a questionnaire designed in the initial phase. For every company, the perception and development of the CSR, the fulfillment of the norms and the management of the OSH, the commitment of workers and managers for the OSH and the presence of voluntary activities related to OSH were assessed. The companies with greater development of the CSR showed better fulfillment and management of OSH rules. The development of voluntary activities related to OSH was observed only in two companies. The presence of the OSH in the field of the CSR was weak. This can be explained because there is a high demand of the legal frame of OSH, which is still being established in the companies. This leaves little space for voluntary CSR activities.