Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Congress on Health Sciences, Occupational Health and Safety, Iğdır, Türkiye, 15 - 16 Nisan 2025, ss.173-174, (Özet Bildiri)
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are one of the cornerstones of the European economy, as they account for a significant portion of total employment. The 2022-2027 strategic plan established by the European Agency for Occupational Health and Safety (EUOSHA) highlights the specific challenges faced by SMEs in managing health and safety and emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to examine research trends in occupational health and safety (OHS) management within SMEs, identify existing research gaps, and define future research directions. To achieve this objective, a thematic analysis was conducted using the science mapping method on studies published between 1992 and 2022. The open-source Science Mapping Analysis Software Tool (SciMAT) was utilized to generate longitudinal scientific maps within the scope of the research. As a result of this analysis, the key themes of OHS management in SMEs were identified, and their evolution over time was revealed. The study’s findings provide valuable insights for researchers working in the field of occupational health and safety management in SMEs. The most frequently addressed key themes between 1992 and 2022 include SMEs, small businesses, work environment, safety management systems, safety climate, risk assessment, the construction industry, and theoretical models. Notably, safety management systems and risk assessment emerge as critical topics for improving occupational health and safety practices in SMEs. However, limited resources, inadequate knowledge of OHS management processes, and deficiencies in organizational structures pose significant barriers for SMEs in this domain. This study underscores the need for novel approaches in OHS management within SMEs. In this context, conceptual models based on Resilience Engineering and the Safety II approach offer effective alternatives for enhancing safety and health management in SMEs. Nevertheless, a review of the existing scientific literature reveals that research on OHS management in SMEs remains relatively limited compared to studies focusing on large enterprises and major industrial accidents. Therefore, future research should focus on developing methodologies that address the specialized needs and specific challenges faced by SMEs. This study makes a significant contribution by identifying research gaps in the field of OHS management in SMEs and outlining future research directions. In conclusion, future research in OHS management for SMEs should aim at developing more comprehensive and multidimensional models.