Participation for understanding: an interactive method

J Safety Res. 2005;36(3):231-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jsr.2005.06.004.

Abstract

Introduction: There are many available models that help evaluate the effectiveness of safety and health measures, but many are complex and require input from many departments within an organization. There is a need to develop a more user-friendly model.

Method: A participative model was developed that involves face-to-face interviewers with workers, maintenance department, purchasing department and health and safety experts. They were asked about costs, efforts, benefits, and effects of gauging the effects of prevention efforts.

Results: Cost effectiveness analyses are essential in all cases and can include whatever the end-user requires, whether it is a small or lasting improvement. Having management participate helps validate the data.

Conclusions: Organizations who collaborate with someone with at least some skill in cost-benefit evaluations will find that they will be able to establish policies and procedures from the data. The end result is a calculation that is understood by all involved.

MeSH terms

  • Cost-Benefit Analysis / methods*
  • Efficiency
  • Ergonomics / economics
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Netherlands
  • Occupational Health Services / economics*