Towards a Reformation of the Theory of Safe Working Conditions – a Preliminary Model
51. RTU Starptautiskā zinātniskā konference : RTU IEVF Ekonomikas un uzņēmējdarbības zinātniskā konference (SCEE '2010): konferences rakstu krājums : sekcija "Tehnogēnās vides drošības zinātniskās problēmas" 2011
Jack Reardon, Dzintra Atstāja

This paper argues that the current model of achieving safe working conditions, based on firm optimization is inadequate and misleading. This paper will offer a more realistic model of the attainment of safe working conditions, which in turn can lead to more effective policy solutions. The first section of this paper characterize problems of safe Working conditions; than will critique the existing model; the second section will construct a new more realistic model; and the third will offer concluding comments and suggestions. Authors believe that this model more accurately captures the inherent dynamics in achieving safe working conditions. In constructing this model we jettison a general theoretical predictability, based on gratuitous assumptions such as the firm is the preponderant stakeholder always interested in maximizing profits and minimizing costs. No doubt this will decrease the potential attraction of the model, but at the same time, we believe that this model offers a much more realistic ‘characterization’ of the decision making process involved in attaining safe working conditions.


Keywords
accident, safety, risk, model, labour, working conditions

Reardon, J., Atstāja, D. Towards a Reformation of the Theory of Safe Working Conditions – a Preliminary Model. In: 51. RTU Starptautiskā zinātniskā konference : RTU IEVF Ekonomikas un uzņēmējdarbības zinātniskā konference (SCEE '2010): konferences rakstu krājums : sekcija "Tehnogēnās vides drošības zinātniskās problēmas", Latvia, Rīga, 14-16 October, 2010. RTU: RTU Izdevniecība, 2011, pp.65-70. ISBN 978-9934-10-128-1.

Publication language
English (en)
The Scientific Library of the Riga Technical University.
E-mail: uzzinas@rtu.lv; Phone: +371 28399196