Using Core Elements of Health and Safety Management Systems to Support Worker Well-Being during Technology...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Technology Integration

Background:

• Limited research exists on the intersection of occupational safety and health (OSH) and direct reading and sensor technologies (DRST).
• There is a specific lack of empirical studies on how DRST impacts worker well-being.
• Organizations need guidance on integrating DRST into the workplace to support employees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how health and safety management system (HSMS) elements can coordinate DRST implementation.
• To explore the impact of DRST on worker well-being.
• To understand OSH professionals' attitudes and current/intended uses of DRST.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 39-item questionnaire by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers.
• Survey administered to 88 OSH professionals between August and December 2021.
• Deductive analysis of open-ended responses to two qualitative questions.

Main Results:

• Reliability and validity of data were identified as primary concerns by OSH professionals.
• Qualitative feedback revealed three key themes: acceptability and trust in technology, ease of use, and need for support and guidelines.
• Descriptive statistics of the study sample are presented.

Conclusions:

• Core HSMS elements, including management commitment, leadership, communication, coordination, and employee involvement, are crucial for successful DRST integration.
• Utilizing HSMS frameworks can help organizations support workers through the changes and ambiguities associated with DRST adoption.
• Findings provide a foundation for developing best practices in DRST implementation to enhance worker well-being.