Background and purpose The equine sector has grown strongly in recent years in Sweden as well as in many European countries. The Swedish equine sector includes a wide variety of activities, e.g. businesses related to breeding, competition, tourism and training, and more non-profit activities such as association-run riding schools and leisure. Work environment issues are a major concern for the sector since it is labor-intensive, and a majority of the work tasks are still performed manually leading to high workloads and physical strain. Furthermore, working with and handling horses is hazardous, and the sector has a relatively high occupational injury rate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety climate at riding schools and trotting stables through the validated Nordic questionnaire on safety climate (NOSACQ-50). Methods The questionnaire, consisting of 50 statements across 7 safety climate dimensions, was handed out to employees at 11 workplaces, six riding schools and five trotting stables. Results and discussion The results are based on data from 62 employees. The analysis of all the participants’ responses showed that one of the seven dimensions, “workers’ safety priority and risk non-acceptance”, needs to be developed in comparison to the other six. Furthermore, the preliminary results indicate that there are differences in the perceived safety climate dependent on working experience of the employee. Some significant differences were also found between riding schools and trotting stables in the dimension “workers trust in the efficacy of safety systems”. Conclusions Understanding the safety climate in the equine sector is a first step to find approaches to enhance safety and in the longer-term increase sustainability in horse-related occupations. The study is part of two joint projects with the aim to improve the work environment in the Swedish equine sector, funded by AFA Insurance and The Swedish-Norwegian Foundation for Equine Research.

The work environment in horse stables is known to be characterized by low mechanization, high physical workloads and high injury risks. The Swedish Work Environment Authority has also reported a lack of knowledge in the systematic work environment management and risk assessments as well as shortcomings regarding work environment and work conditions in the Swedish equine sector. The aim of this study was to identify, adapt and implement methods and tools for systematic work environment management, with emphasis on characteristics to stimulate motivation and commitment at work, in order to improve the work environment in the sector. The study had a participatory action research approach, and were conducted at four workplaces, two riding schools and two trotting stables, in Sweden. The employees were guided to identify the challenges in their work environment, both physical and organizational, through a combination of methods including surveys, interviews and observations. A workshop with the employees was then organized to discuss and prioritize actions needed to improve the work environment based on the identified needs, resulting in an action plan. The project group were coaching the workplaces through the action phase, including e.g. support to managers in the systematic work environment management, changing working routines and equipment, improving work ergonomics, and improving communication and information with digital aids. Preliminary results indicate that this approach can help to create involvement and motivation and to provide valuable insights on how to improve health and safety. The project was funded by the Swedish-Norwegian Foundation for Equine Research.