Credit-frequency compliance paradox and dual-track hazard evolution in urban occupational health

This study investigates occupational health compliance in post-industrial urban areas, focusing on noise hazards within Guangzhou's Tianhe District (2020-2024). We propose two novel concepts: the Credit-Frequency Compliance Paradox, where small enterprises exhibit unexpectedly higher hazard-monitoring compliance compared to larger firms under hybrid governance; and Dual-Track Hazard Evolution, highlighting simultaneous declines in conventional occupational hazards (dust) and rises in emerging risks (noise and unique chemical exposures).

Using data from the "Guangdong Province Occupational Health Quality Control Platform," we analyzed monitoring coverage rates, enterprise exceedance rates, and hazard exceedance rates, stratified by enterprise size and industry.

Small and micro enterprises showed higher periodic monitoring coverage (47.35-50.60%) than large and medium-sized firms (22.22-24.18%) (χ²_trend = 16.987, p < 0.001), validating the Compliance Paradox. Although overall hazard exceedance rates significantly decreased annually (χ²_trend = 4.965-10.386, p < 0.05), critical subsector hazards persisted: 75.00% silica dust in clay brick and block manufacture and 12.50% chemical exceedances in unclassified service industries. Noise was the predominant physical hazard, impacting large enterprises (12.80% exceedance) and scientific research and technical services sectors [median: 81.60 dB(A)], where exceedance rates surged from 2.04 to 37.50% (χ²_trend = 14.318, p < 0.001) and noise intensity markedly increased (Jonckheere-Terpstra = 2532.000, p < 0.001) from 2020-2024. Significant variation existed across enterprise sizes (H = 55.140, p < 0.001) and industries (H = 254.964, p < 0.001).

This study provides empirical support for the Credit-Frequency Compliance Paradox and documents Dual-Track Hazard Evolution-traditional occupational hazards decline while novel risks emerge in high-tech and service sectors. Although these frameworks originate from a single region, they may still offer preliminary insights into occupational health governance in other post-industrial urban contexts before being validated in diverse geographical and economic settings.