Assessment and mitigation of COVID-19 occupational hazards among small businesses in a high-risk community

Purpose – This project explored COVID-19 workplace hazards and factors influencing the implementation of risk mitigation approaches among small businesses in a high-risk community. Design/methodology/approach – Using a novel framework, data were collected from 90 workplaces through site visits and consultations with at least one owner, manager or supervisor (“employer”) and at least one non-managerial staff member (“employee”). A risk assessment and mitigation plan were prepared based on site-specific hazards; later, a follow-up visit assessed whether recommendations had been implemented and factors influencing these decisions. Findings – A total of 84 businesses (93.3%) implemented at least one recommendation, citing ease and staff and/or customer preferences as motivating factors; businesses that did not implement controls doubted their effectiveness and/or reported lack of feasibility. Although employers and employees generally agreed on job-related exposures, discrepancies existed that may have underestimated employees’ time at risk. Importantly, this project provides evidence that small business owners are receptive to – and, often, eager for – targeted occupational health and safety information and support. Originality/value – To our knowledge, this is the first effort to provide small businesses with worksite-specific respiratory disease risk assessments and tailored remediation plans as well as the first to assess their willingness to implement such recommendations.