Three examples of evaluating Dutch workplace interventions will be presented. This is input for discussing the essential elements in evaluations of interventions at workplaces on outcomes for work-related diseases or injuries.

1. Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are frequently reported as occupational injuries among health care workers. The objective of a cluster randomised trial was to evaluate whether the number of NSIs decreased among health care workers at risk (n=796) after introduction of injection needles with safety devices in combination with an interactive workshop in an academic hospital. This combined intervention led to the highest reduction in the number of self–reported NSIs compared to a workshop alone or no intervention.

2. Low back complaints are frequently reported as work–related diseases among bricklayers. The objective of a within–subject controlled intervention study was to evaluate whether work related risk factors and discomfort of the low back decreased among bricklayers (n=10) after introducing a scaffolding console to adjust the working height of the storage of materials in a construction company. Working with a scaffolding console resulted in a significant reduction of the frequency and duration of trunk flexion 79% and 52% respectively, and as well as discomfort of the lower back compared with bricks set out on the ground floor.

3. Occupational risks affect the health of construction workers. The objective of a non–randomised controlled trial was to evaluate whether a job–specific workers’ health surveillance improved the preventive actions of construction workers (n=374) following occupational physicians recommendations. In total 73% of the workers undertook job–specific actions versus 59% in the control group, while occupational physicians provided more job–specific recommendations in the intervention group.

Risk assessment, context related interventions and compliance to interventions are essential elements before and alongside the evaluation of real world preventive interventions.