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Integrating Business Ethics into Occupational Health and Safety: An Evaluation Framework for Sustainable Risk Management

Author

Listed:
  • Stavroula (Vivi) Mixafenti

    (Samaras & Associates Ltd., Quality and Safety Consultants, 43, 26th Oktovriou Street, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Aristi Karagkouni

    (MaGBISE Research Laboratory, Department of Economics, Democritus University of Thrace, 69100 Komotini, Greece)

  • Dimitrios Dimitriou

    (MaGBISE Research Laboratory, Department of Economics, Democritus University of Thrace, 69100 Komotini, Greece)

Abstract

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a critical component of sustainable work practices, guaranteeing employee well-being in parallel with minimizing business operation threats. The integration of ethics in OHS practices, however, poses a major obstacle, given that most businesses prefer complying with regulations rather than adopting proactive, ethically directed risk avoidance. This study employs a systemic process in assessing business ethics integration in practices of OHS, emphasizing leadership, employee engagement, and precautionary safety. This quantitative survey research sought to gauge the utilization of OHS practices among firms in the construction industry. This study examined critical factors such as employee training, absenteeism patterns, wellness programs, and usage of safety practices. Our study outcomes identify a reduction in accidents in workplaces, lower absenteeism, and improved monitoring of employee well-being when a blend of systemic safety programs and ethically directed strategies is utilized. This study emphasizes the imperative of a proactive, ethically comprehensive strategy in practices of OHS, which calls for improved leadership, constant safety learning, and enhanced wellness programs. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable risk management frameworks, offering practical insights for businesses, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to improve workplace safety culture.

Suggested Citation

  • Stavroula (Vivi) Mixafenti & Aristi Karagkouni & Dimitrios Dimitriou, 2025. "Integrating Business Ethics into Occupational Health and Safety: An Evaluation Framework for Sustainable Risk Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-24, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4370-:d:1653797
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sergio Iavicoli & Antonio Valenti & Diana Gagliardi & Jorma Rantanen, 2018. "Ethics and Occupational Health in the Contemporary World of Work," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-17, August.
    2. Dimitrios Dimitriou & Konstantinos Papakostas, 2022. "Review of Management Comprehensiveness on Occupational Health and Safety for PPP Transportation Projects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-22, May.
    3. Neil Gunningham, 2008. "Occupational Health and Safety, Worker Participation and the Mining Industry in a Changing World of Work," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 29(3), pages 336-361, August.
    4. Kivimäki, M. & Head, J. & Ferrie, J.E. & Hemingway, H. & Shipley, M.J. & Vahtera, J. & Marmot, M.G., 2005. "Working while III as a risk factor for serious coronary events: The whitehall II study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(1), pages 98-102.
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