Review article

Survey on working conditions in the Republic of Croatia

ANA BOGADI-ŠARE ; Croatian Institute of Occupational Health, Av. V. Holjevca 22, 10 020 Zagreb, Croatia
MARIJA ZAVALIĆ ; Croatian Institute of Occupational Health, Av. V. Holjevca 22, 10 020 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Survey and assessment of occupational hazards in work processess and economic activities are crucial for successful health protection of working population. The survey of working conditions in Croatia aims to provide an overview of occupational hazards and to identify major factors affecting the workers' health.

Materials and Methods: A survey of occupational hazards was carried
out on a representative sample of working population of the Republic of Croatia consisting of 12% of all employed workers, evenly allocated in all economic activities. The survey was based on the questionnaire containing detailed classification of occupational hazards. The questionnaire was sent to 3,930 companies, i.e. 1,500 companies employing more than 50 employees (LC) and 2,430 companies employing less than 50 employees (SE). The
response rate for LC was 42% and for SE 7%.

Results: Each Croatian worker is averagely exposed to 4.5 occupational hazards. The most heavily exposed to hazardous working conditions are workers in fishing (7.0 hazards per worker), mining and quarrying (6.9 hazards), construction (5.7 hazards) and manufacturing (5.0 hazards). Croatian working population is mostly exposed to psychosocial and organizational factors (82.8% of workers), statodynamic strains (80.4%), mechanical hazards (69.5%) and falling and crashing (58.5%). A considerable
number of workers is also exposed to adverse climate conditions (33.4%), chemicals (25.0%), electric hazards (22.9%) and noise (21.7%). Exposure to occupational hazards are significantly less frequent in SE than in LC, presumably due to the lack of interest of small employers in health and safety issues. The most numerous occupational hazards are present in manufacturing, mining and construction.

Conclusion: The survey results show high frequency of risks resulting
from »new« technologies and at the same time the presence of hazards produced by »old« technologies. The survey findings can be the basis for the future policy planning of work-related matters and implementation of the occupational health and safety measures for protection of worker’s health at the national level.

Keywords

survey; occupational hazards; working conditions; economic activities

Hrčak ID:

35955

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/35955

Publication date:

31.3.2009.

Visits: 1.791 *