Problems and countermeasures in establishing and implementing OHSMS in SMEs: A case study of Baoyuanfeng, China

Abstract

Occupational health and safety management systems have taken on an enormous importance in the eyes of the companies and the consumers alike. Organizations have to be very vigilant towards the workers safety and health. Consumers are more interested in buying food from those companies which, along with better production also takes care of their workers. In China, as the economy is growing and the development is taking place very fast, the companies often overlook the OHSMS in order to reap short term profits. This has raised concerns among the consumers and the law enforcement authorities all over the world. This case study has a focus on the Chinese Jilin Baoyuanfeng Company. This is a poultry slaughter and processing house. A fire broke in the factory of Baoyuanfeng Company killing 119 workers on site. The results of this case study shows that Chinese rural companies have very little know how of OHSMS. The employees are uneducated and are not aware of the consequences of not following rules regarding OHSMS. The check and accountability from government side is also very flexible.