Supporting occupational safety and health compliance: the role of prevention services in Portugal

In Portugal, the predominance of small businesses poses a challenge in applying occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations. This policy brief highlights current limitations and reduced engagement of employers in managing OSH at the workplace.

Recommendations to address challenges include mandating hiring of external services on a one-off basis and systematically renewing OSH service providers’ certification. A professional regulatory body could also be created for safety experts to foster OSH good practices.