The Effect of Competitiveness on Occupational Safety

Globalization has changed the occupational safety situation at country level. Work has a heavy impact on health, and work-related morbidity and mortality affect the worker and his or her family and increase costs for society. The gross domestic product and the World Economic Forum competitiveness index were used to explain occupational safety at the regional level. The proportion of fatal occupational accidents and work-related diseases differs from region to region. Competitiveness is highest in the countries where the fatality rate is the lowest. Changes related to work, work conditions, and work environment have an effect on productivity, working climate, safety culture, and workers´ commitment. These are all factors which effect competitiveness at company as well as country level.