Related Experiment Videos
Evaluating occupational health and safety programs in the public sector
1Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. cmitchel@jhsph.edu
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|November 17, 1998
Summary
Public sector occupational health and safety (OHS) programs face unique evaluation challenges. An occupational medicine and safety program (OMSP) was hampered by poor integration, while an employee assistance and wellness program (EAWP) met community needs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
- Program Evaluation
Background:
- Presents two case studies on public sector occupational health and safety (OHS) program evaluations.
- Evaluates an occupational medicine and safety program (OMSP) and an employee assistance and wellness program (EAWP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and identify areas for improvement in public sector OHS programs.
- To compare evaluation factors between public and private sector OHS programs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized interviews with key personnel.
- Reviewed written documentation and physical resources.
- Conducted chart audits and stakeholder surveys.
Main Results:
- The OMSP evaluation revealed significant operational hindrances due to the lack of an integrated information system and inadequate coordination mechanisms.
- The EAWP evaluation confirmed its value and necessity, with its mission, staff, facilities, and services aligning with community requirements.
Conclusions:
- Public sector OHS program evaluation is influenced by factors like resource availability, organizational structure, and accountability.
- Both public and private sectors face pressure to demonstrate economic benefits for their OHS programs.