The role of evidence in occupational safety and health

Stephanie Stockwell
Bok · Engelsk · 2022

Utgitt	RAND Corporation , 2022
Opplysninger	Occupational accidents, illnesses and fatalities are prevalent globally. Whilst the past decade has seen work-related accident and fatality rates plateau in many high-income countries, safety outcomes and disparities within and between countries remain prominent issues. Enhancing working conditions and making workplaces safer is necessary to decrease the number of fatalities, injuries and cases of occupational diseases, and to promote and safeguard psychological welfare. Using evidence in occupational safety and health (OSH) decision making may help reduce rates of occupational incidents and diseases. However, the role evidence currently plays within OSH is unclear. Therefore, we developed a study to explore the role of evidence in OSH decision making, which considered what evidence is produced, shared and used, and by whom. To answer the four research questions that guided the study, we conducted a rapid evidence assessment and stakeholder engagement activities (including secondary analysis of existing interview data, an online survey and primary interviews). Using this data we developed two conceptual models: one mapped the different actors and agencies involved in OSH decision making (structural model), and the other highlighted the processes involved in OSH and the role of evidence at an operational and systems level (process model).