The design and implementation of knowledge management systems and e-learning for improved occupational health and safety in small to medium sized enterprises

• A review of contemporary research into occupational health and safety knowledge management systems.
• An overview of current thinking on e-learning and its implementation within SMEs.
• The challenges for SMEs of introducing e-learning and OSH knowledge management systems.
• Suggested solutions to the challenges, and recommendations for further research.

This paper presents a review of the current challenges associated with occupational safety and health (OSH) in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). OSH knowledge management and e-learning are considered in turn in the light of current research knowledge, with examination of the challenges and requirements of small businesses. Barriers to progression and suitable solutions from the field of research are discussed. SMEs need to manage their knowledge capital to capture and retain tacit knowledge. Employees need to collaborate and interact in order to make this tacit knowledge explicit and to enhance this knowledge through learning in the context of the shop floor. Workers and managers need to share what they know and put into practice key aspects of occupational health and safety in the workplace.