ENHANCING SAFETY CULTURE AND REDUCING PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS IN ENTERPRISES UNDER MARTIAL LAW

Objective: To develop a comprehensive approach for improving safety culture and reducing psychosocial risks in enterprises under martial law conditions. Research Methods: Special research methods included information collection and summarization, critical analysis, forecasting, analytical methods (statistical analysis), case studies (specific case analysis), and systemic analysis methods for formulating theoretical and practical generalizations. Results: The study revealed a significant negative impact of war on mental health and psychosocial risks, such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and professional burnout in the workplace. A proposed algorithm for creating a psychologically safe environment at enterprises aims to reduce potential professional risks. It was found that employees’ mental health and psychosocial risks directly influence occupational safety levels, described by the Bradley Curve. Moreover, a general trend in Ukraine of limited employee participation in decision-making processes at enterprises was identified. This lack of engagement and reduced self-esteem among employees hinder businesses from transitioning to higher safety levels according to the Bradley Curve. The research showed that certain large businesses actively implement recommendations from international standards to manage psychosocial risks at work. However, such practices are less accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A comprehensive approach was developed specifically for SMEs to assess their safety culture level based on ISO standards and the Bradley Curve. The proposed approach will help companies evaluate their actual safety culture status and develop strategies to transition to higher levels of corporate safety culture. Scientific Novelty: This research contributes by exploring the relationships between mental health, psychosocial risks, and their influence on safety culture under martial law conditions. Practical Significance: The proposed approach provides SMEs with a practical tool to assess their safety culture and create strategies for achieving higher levels of corporate safety culture. Keywords: safety culture, mental health, workplace environment, psychosocial risks, martial law.