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

Abstract

Research studying the intersection of occupational safety and health (OSH) and direct reading and sensor technologies (DRST) is sparse, with a specific lack of research available that has empirically considered ways that DRST may impact worker well-being. In this paper, the authors examine how organizations could utilize core elements of their health and safety management system (HSMS) to coordinate and execute DRST in the workplace to support worker well-being. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers developed a 39-item questionnaire targeting OSH professionals to understand attitudes toward DRST and the current and intended uses of DRST at their place of employment. Eighty-eight OSH professionals completed the questionnaire between August and December 2021. Descriptive results of the study sample are provided but the focus of the study applies the open-ended responses to two questions, which was deductively analyzed. Descriptive results show that reliability and validity of data was a top concern while the open-ended qualitative feedback revealed three primary themes: (1) acceptability and trust in technology; (2) ease of use; and (3) support and guidelines. Results provide an opening to use core HSMS elements (i.e., management commitment and leadership, communication and coordination, and employee involvement) during DRST integration to demonstrate support for workers during times of ambiguity and change.

Approaches to Improving Occupational Health and Safety of the Nigerian Construction Industry

“…Although organizations will always bear the duty for construction site health and safety, the novel perception of prevention through design could be seen to allow Engineers, Architects, and other professionals to contribute to improving site health and safety, likewise the step for the prevention of occupational accidents. Similarly, the responsibility of frontline managers and senior-level leadership is to vigorously work together to reduce constraints on employee participation in the prevention of occupational accidents [20]. According to ILO 2013 [21], managing risks and identifying hazards are important steps to improving health and safety and health at the organizational level.…”