ABSTRACT
This chapter advocates for a broader contextual understanding of health and safety issues at work, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the state and corporations in creating insecure and unsafe environments that negatively impact workers’ well-being. While there have been significant reductions in workplace injuries in recent years, these statistics do not capture the full extent of the problem as many incidents go unreported. Additionally, the focus on extreme cases, and framing these as accidents and serious illnesses, can distract from recognising the systemic nature of the issue. This chapter examines how the concept of ‘accident-prone’ victims can be better understood by considering systemic factors embedded in organisational structures and industry dynamics. First, we delve into the regulatory framing of health and safety issues in the UK and Finland, which oscillates between policing and management-oriented self-regulation. While this approach aims to hold those causing harm accountable, it often leads to reduced resources for regulatory agencies and an overemphasis on major incidents. Second, we explore the context in which health and safety issues emerge in the construction sector. We focus on the paradox of flexibility arising from non-standard employment practices and the complexities of transnational mobility, which contribute to the criminogenic nature of the construction industry. To conclude, we discuss the harmful and mitigating aspects of various regulatory approaches and potential solutions to address the underlying issues effectively.
