Occupational Health and Safety Management of Informal Labor Market Towards Small and Medium Enterprise (Smes) Marketing Development

Abstract

The informal labor market plays a crucial role in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing flexible and cost-effective labor solutions. However, informal labors often face significant challenges, including poor working conditions, lack of social protections, and limited access to occupational health and safety (OHS) standards. This study explores the integration of occupational health and safety management towards the informal labor market and its role in fostering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) marketing development. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection. Surveys were conducted with 385 informal labors across handicrafts industries in Samut Sakhon Province in Thailand in which, purposive and population proportional sampling techniques were employed in the sampling process. There were 173 females and 212 males, while 47.8% of the population falling between the ages of 26 and 35. The collected data will be examined in order to identify the frequency, percentage, and standard deviation of the following: demographic data, occupational health and safety, well-being, health conditions in various dimensions. The results reveal that poor occupational health and safety (OHS) conditions, affecting small and medium enterprise’s (SMEs) ability to compete in local and international markets. The study proposes a framework for integrating occupational health and safety (OHS) management with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) marketing strategies. It is also highlighting the importance of strategies towards informal labor management by prioritizing informal labor welfare while driving market competitiveness and economic growth accordingly.