Characterisation of the Portuguese Footwear Industry Relative to Occupational Health and Saefety

The footwear industry, part of the traditional manufacturing sector, plays a prominent role in Portugal. Understanding some occupational health and safety (OHS) characteristics is essential to implement and consolidating prevention. Thus, this study searched for relevant information about the OHS characterisation of the Portuguese footwear industry. Eighty-five companies replied to the questionnaire. Topics such as dimension, OHS services, certification, training, OHS mandatory annual consultation, near-miss management (NMS), and workplace exercise program were analysed. Most companies were SMEs, not possessing internal OHS services. Few respondents had a certification, and only one was certified by ISO 45001. The majority of the companies referred to performing training and OHS consultation. Some respondents referred to implementing NMS. Thus, it is essential to understand the quality and quantity of the existing previously stated by the respondents regarding training, consultation and NMS to ensure their effectiveness. Although it is an industry still characterised by repetitive operations and maintained postures, no company referred to performing workplace exercise programs, and few considered adopting them. OHS issues are still not regarded as top company priorities within this sector.