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

Stavroula (Vivi) Mixafenti, Aristi Karagkouni () and Dimitrios Dimitriou
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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

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-24

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.

Keywords: occupational health and safety (OHS); ethical leadership; organizational responsibility; workplace well-being; safety culture; sustainable work practices (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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