Exploring drivers of chemical risk management in Sweden : A Q-methodological study of the engineering industry in the Gnosjö region

Abstract: Uncertainty about how chemicals affect human health and the environment, and shortcomings in current chemicals legislation, make it necessary to motivate chemical users to work actively with risk management in order to achieve a high level of protection. In this study, the drivers of chemical risk management have been investigated in order to find out how a pro-active work could be promoted. A Q-methodology study was performed online with 15 respondents at 10 different engineering companies in the Gnosjö region in Sweden. The respondents were part of the middle management and the local top management and had an environmental responsibility. Two groups with different views on drivers were identified. To comply with legislation was the main driver of the market-oriented group, while the plant-oriented group considered an improved work environment for employees as the main driver. A tendency to differences between how drivers were valued by middle management and local top management could be distinguished. The study indicated a need to motivate companies to stay ahead of legislation, as well as to enhance the understanding of the environmental impact that the operations have on the environment, and may be used as a basis for further studies of drivers of chemical risk management.