The functioning of the work safety management system in a selected enterprise and the problem of employee participation

Purpose: The presented article deals with the analysis of the functioning of the work safety management system in hard coal mining in the example of a selected mine. The basic elements that make up the safety management system are presented, with particular emphasis on employee participation. Design/methodology/approach: Empirical research was conducted in the form of a questionnaire addressed to employees. Literature research of the subject was carried out. Findings: In a modern enterprise, all employees, at all levels, must be involved in creating the desired safety culture. Every regular employee must realistically see respect and compliance with OHS regulations by the supervision and the top management of the Mine. Practical implications: The issues raised in the article significantly affect the improvement of preventive methods related to work safety, including environmental conditions and work organisation, as well as attitudes and behaviour of employees. Originality/value: In safety management, the greatest attention should be devoted to man as the subject of all activities. Because it is the human factor that causes most accidents, and the other factors, often referred to as the work factor, lose their relevance when new technologies and materials are used to provide greater safety.