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own ability to interpret regulations as limited and therefore they require more
specific advice to tell them exactly what to do. They therefore may lack a
sense of self efficacy in their own capabilities. There is however a difficulty in
providing advice specific to the SME because SMEs are also very
heterogeneous in terms of both organisational structure and sector
membership. The lack of perceived relevance may therefore be an issue of
business identity, some firms may consider advice to be inconsistent with
their own professional standards.
A lack of reported difficulties in complying with health and safety legislation
(Vickers et al., 2003; Walters, 2001) could be interpreted as lack of awareness
of legislation (a knowledge or communication issue) or desirability to present
one’s business in a good light (research methodology issue). The former
explanation is less likely given findings indicating that: those who do report
difficulties in complying with legislation tend to have both a greater
awareness of health and safety regulation and better health and safety
standards than those who claim to have no problems with compliance
(Vickers et al., 2003).
The cost of fulfilling regulatory demands for health and safety at work are
reported to be seven times greater for small firms than large enterprises
(Lancaster et al., 2003). For example, the most disproportionate costs were
found in attempts to adhere to manual handling regulations. Further, a
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