Work environment and health needs in small- and medium-sized enterprises in a manufacturing technology ward in Japan

Background and Objectives: The Ota ward of Tokyo is a hotbed of advanced manufacturing, yet few studies have investigated the work environment and health problems in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) there. We evaluated the work environment and health needs for health promotion according to the size of these enterprises.

Method: 3,171 members of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, all employers, were mailed an anonymous questionnaire.

Results: 372 (11.7%) responses were received. The average age of respondents and years of experience were 62.5 (SD=11.3) and 19.8 (SD=15.1) years, respectively. Positive responses were significant higher in enterprises with <100 employees for the following items: “every employee and employer sees each others’ face,” “employer’s management policy is easily transmitted to employees,” “there is attention to aging of employees,” and “close relationships exist among employees.” Positive responses on “effective management of working hours,” “safety training,” “participation in internal and external training,” and “holding events in-house” were significantly higher in medium- versus small-sized enterprises. There were significant differences between small- and medium-sized enterprises in areas related to smoking, infections, metabolic syndrome, and mental health, including among enterprises with <10 employees.

Conclusions: Occupational health characteristics of SMEs in Ota, Japan, differed based on size of enterprise. Possible directions for health support strategies that emphasize the key role of employers are suggested.