Management of biological risks in smes: A holistic approach modeling proposal

The aim of the study is to propose a model that reflects the holistic approach which assesses the existing state of biological risk management in SMEs and enhancing the administration capacity to avoid risks become crises. The inquiry of this study is: how can we improve the management of biological risks in SMEs? An approach according to grounded theory model has been adopted in this qualitative study that has been performed during 2022 and 2023. After the ethics committee approval, semi-structed deep interviews with the experts in the field of biological risk management has been conducted. The obtained results have been coded with the help of MAXQDA 24 qualitative analysis program and classified under certain topics. The alignment between codes and categories in topics has been evaluated with two independent specialists in order to improve the confidence. The correlations of topics and factors that affect each other have been analyzed and the results have been discussed according to national and international literacy comparisons. At the end of the study 8 major topics have been determined in the management of biological risk factors. The elements of the Management of Biological Risks in SMEs with Holistic Approach Modelling are: awareness of maintaining health for employees and public health, regulations and compliance procedures, public health arguments, risk management, corporate mechanisms, integrated management and cooperation, business management and principles. The connection of these mechanisms has brought out results of how to handle the Management of Biological Risks in SMEs with Holistic Approach. The outcomes of this study have found out that a complex and multi-disciplinary approach is needed in biological risk management. Workplaces are under the biological risks as; physical, chemical, biological, ergonomically and psycho-social risks. Most particularly the biological risks have the capacity to induce serious local and global implications with their health, economics and social effects. It's figured out that the current implications can be insufficient to meet the requirements and a holistic approach model is required. Preventive and prophylactic approaches have to be adopted according to occupational health and public health strategies and the administrational capacities have to be strengthened. This study can help SMEs improve their biological risk management strategies with a holistic approach model.