A Proposed Relationship between Organizational Safety Practices and Safety Performance in the Manufacturing of Small and Medium Enterprises in Malaysia

Many studies have showed that 60 percent to 80 percent of all industrial accidents were likely due to human errors.  Inability of employees to manage work overload, provide appropriate response, and conduct proper activities are the bases for human erors.  Safety performance in SMEs is an issue of concern because of increasing accidents and injury rates.  Due to the vulnerability of SMEs to workplace accidents and illnesses researchers have begun to develop a considerable interest in addressing the issue.  The aim of this paper is to review related empirical literatures and emphasize the necessity to examine safety performance among manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia.  This paper discusses the role of organizational safety practices that may have an influence on safety performance.  Toward the end of the paper, a conceptual model illustrating the relationships between organizational safety practices and safety performance will be presented.