The report by Dr Stavroula Leka and Johanna Churchill from the Institute of Work, Health and Organisations at The University of Nottingham claims there is a lack of knowledge in the areas of both CSR and occupational health, and that leadership can be a considerable barrier to the prevention of health and safety problems.

CSR requires businesses to account for and measure the actual or potential economic, social and environmental impacts of their decisions, both in terms of the way they operate and the voluntary actions that it can take, over and above compliance within minimum legal requirements to balance its own competitive interests with the interests of society. The first part of the research suggests SMEs are struggling to come to terms with this. CSR is seen by the UK government as an integral part of delivering sustainable economic growth and business prosperity. Margaret Hodge, minister of state for industry and the regions, who joined DTI after the recent government reshuffle, has taken on responsibility for CSR. She said: “I look forward to working with UK business to ensure that environmental protection and community cohesion are seen as an integral part of delivering sustainable economic growth and business prosperity.’
It is hoped that the results from The University of Nottingham study will be used as a framework to promote a more preventative agenda for occupational health and safety, through the adoption of CSR practices.
The report found that almost 70 percent of small to medium enterprises had not even heard of the term CSR, while approximately 80 percent had good awareness of safety issues but lacked awareness of occupational health issues. On a more positive note, awareness of both CSR and occupational health was better in medium-sized firms and the service and professional sectors.

Correspondingly, the lack of awareness in occupational health represents a considerable barrier in the prevention of health and safety hazards. Dr Leka said: “Effective targeting of occupational health and safety initiatives is vital to this sector, particularly in view of the fact that those working for SMEs are more likely to be affected by health and safety issues.”

The SME sector is seen as a 'boom' area in both Europe and the UK and health and safety advice is seen as one of the huge growth areas for insurers and financial advisors to the industry.