1
|
Alexander BM, Wurzelbacher SJ, Zeiler RJ, Naber SJ. Lessons learned from Ohio workers' compensation claims to mitigate hazards in the landscaping services industry. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:699-713. [PMID: 34076900 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The landscaping services industry is one of the more dangerous in the United States, with higher rates of both fatal and nonfatal injuries than the all-industry average. This study uses claims from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (OHBWC) database to identify high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses in this industry in Ohio. The causes of those illnesses and injuries are highlighted to identify common factors. METHODS The OHBWC database includes injured-worker industry identification, occupation, business size, demographics, diagnoses, and free-text descriptions of injury circumstances. We identified landscaping service industry claims from 2001 to 2017, and describe annual claim counts and rates. RESULTS Over the 17-year period, 18,037 claims were accepted, with "Struck by object or equipment" and "Overexertion involving outside sources" being the most common events or exposures. Sprains and fractures were the most prevalent of the more serious lost-time (LT) injuries. Free-text descriptions of claims indicate that arborist work and loading/unloading of work vehicles and trailers are particularly hazardous. Younger and shorter-tenured workers were injured most frequently, although the average workers' age was higher for LT claims. The total cost of claims to the OHBWC from the landscaping services industry for 2001-2017 was over $226,000,000. Almost $214,000,000, or 94.4%, was for LT injuries and illnesses, even though LT claims comprise only 18% of total claims. CONCLUSIONS Targeted improvements in landscaper safety could come from controlling events leading to LT claims. Engineering controls and improved training are strongly recommended to reduce falls, overexertion, and struck-by injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara M. Alexander
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Steven J. Wurzelbacher
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Rachel J. Zeiler
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Steven J. Naber
- Division of Safety and Hygiene Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation Columbus Ohio USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Guerin RJ, Toland MD. An application of a modified theory of planned behavior model to investigate adolescents' job safety knowledge, norms, attitude and intention to enact workplace safety and health skills. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2020; 72:189-198. [PMID: 32199561 PMCID: PMC8605621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For many reasons, including a lack of adequate safety training and education, U.S. adolescents experience a higher rate of job-related injury compared to adult workers. Widely used social-psychological theories in public health research and practice, such as the theory of planned behavior, may provide guidance for developing and evaluating school-based interventions to prepare adolescents for workplace hazards and risks. METHOD Using a structural equation modeling approach, the current study explores whether a modified theory of planned behavior model provides insight on 1,748 eighth graders' occupational safety and health (OSH) attitude, subjective norm, self-efficacy and behavioral intention, before and after receiving instruction on a free, national young worker safety and health curriculum. Reliability estimates for the measures were produced and direct and indirect associations between knowledge and other model constructs assessed. RESULTS Overall, the findings align with the theory of planned behavior. The structural equation model adequately fit the data; most path coefficients are statistically significant and knowledge has indirect effects on behavioral intention. Confirmatory factor analyses suggest that the knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and behavioral intention measures each reflect a unique dimension (reliability estimates ≥0.86), while the subjective norm measure did not perform adequately. CONCLUSION The findings presented provide support for using behavioral theory (specifically a modified theory of planned behavior) to investigate adolescents' knowledge, perceptions, and behavioral intention to engage in safe and healthful activities at work, an understanding of which may contribute to reducing the downstream burden of injury on this vulnerable population-the future workforce. Practical application: Health behavior theories, commonly used in the social and behavioral sciences, have utility and provide guidance for developing and evaluating OSH interventions, including those aimed at preventing injuries and promoting the health and safety of adolescent workers in the U.S., who are injured at higher rates than are adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Guerin
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1090 Tusculum Ave. MS C-10, Cincinnati, OH 45226.
| | - Michael D Toland
- University of Kentucky, Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, 251C Dickey Hall, Lexington, KY 40506-0017
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schulte PA, Cunningham TR, Guerin RJ, Hennigan B, Jacklitsch B. Components of an Occupational Safety and Health Communication Research Strategy for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 62:S12-S24. [PMID: 30212881 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of the global labor force works in firms with fewer than 50 employees; firms with fewer than 250 employees make up 99% of workplaces. Even so, the lack of extensive or comprehensive research has failed to focus on occupational safety and health communication to these small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given that the magnitude of all occupational safety and health (OSH) morbidity, mortality, and injury disproportionately occurs in businesses with fewer than 250 employees, efforts to communicate with employers to engage in preventative occupational safety and health efforts merit attention. This article provides an overview of important components that should be considered in developing an occupational safety and health (OSH) communication research strategy targeting SMEs. Such a strategy should raise awareness about the diversity and complexity of SMEs and the challenges of targeting OSH communication toward this diverse group. Companies of differing sizes (e.g. 5, 50, 500 employees) likely require differing communication approaches. Communication strategies will benefit from deconstructing the term 'small business' into smaller, more homogenous categories that might require approaches. Theory-based research assessing barriers, message content, channels, reach, reception, motivation, and intention to act serve as the foundation for developing a comprehensive research framework. Attention to this type of research by investigators is warranted and should be encouraged and supported. There would also be value in developing national and international strategies for research on communication with small businesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Schulte
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Thomas R Cunningham
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Rebecca J Guerin
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Brenda Jacklitsch
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rezaei R, Damalas CA, Abdollahzadeh G. RETRACTED: Understanding farmers' safety behaviour towards pesticide exposure and other occupational risks: The case of Zanjan, Iran. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 616-617:1190-1198. [PMID: 29107371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of request of the Editors-in-Chief. After a thorough investigation, the Editors have concluded that the acceptance of this article was partly based upon the positive advice of one illegitimate reviewer report. The report was submitted from an email account which was provided by the corresponding author Christos A. Damalas as a suggested reviewer during the submission of the article. Although purportedly a real reviewer account, the Editors have concluded that this was not of an appropriate, independent reviewer. This manipulation of the peer-review process represents a clear violation of the fundamentals of peer review, our publishing policies, and publishing ethics standards. Apologies are offered to the reviewer whose identity was assumed and to the readers of the journal that this deception was not detected during the submission process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohollah Rezaei
- Department of Agricultural Extension, Communication and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Christos A Damalas
- Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, GR 682 00 Orestiada, Greece.
| | - Gholamhossein Abdollahzadeh
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Park KO. Human resource factors associated with workplace safety and health education of small manufacturing businesses in Korea. J Occup Health 2018; 60:94-101. [PMID: 29046511 PMCID: PMC5799107 DOI: 10.1539/joh.17-0173-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Human resources (HR) are essential indicators of safety and health (SH) status, and HR can be key sources of workplace safety management such as safety and health education at work (SHEW). This study analyzed significant HR factors associated with SHEW of small manufacturing businesses in Korea. Methods: The secondary data of the 2012 Korea Occupational Safety and Health Trend Survey were used to achieve this research purpose. A total of 2,089 supervisors or managers employed in the small manufacturing businesses completed the interview survey. Survey businesses were selected by multiple stratified sampling method based on industry code, business size, and region in Korea. The survey included workplace characteristics of HR and SHEW. Results: SHEW was significantly related to business size, occupational injury incidence in the previous year, foreign and elderly worker employment, presence of site supervisors, and presence of SH committees (p <.05). SHEW for office workers, non-office workers, and newcomers was associated with business size, presence of site supervisors, and presence of SH committees in logistic regression analysis (p <.001). Businesses with 30-49 workers conducted SHEW 3.64 times more than did businesses with 5 to fewer than 10 workers. The companies that had occupational injuries in the previous year conducted SHEW 1.68 times more than the others. The businesses that had site supervisors and committees conducted SHEW 2.30 and 2.18 times more, respectively, than others. Conclusions: Site supervisors and SH committees were significant HR factors that improved SHEW in small manufacturing businesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Ok Park
- Department of Health Convergence in Ewha Womans University
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen RK, Blankenship CJ, Austin BS, Cantu VC, Kotbungkair W. Hiring of people with disabilities: Perceptions of Hispanic small business owners. JOURNAL OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 2016. [DOI: 10.3233/jvr-160822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roy K. Chen
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Keller BM, Cunningham TR. Firefighters as distributors of workplace safety and health information to small businesses. SAFETY SCIENCE 2016; 87:87-91. [PMID: 27594768 PMCID: PMC5006998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2016.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small businesses bear a large burden of injury and death, and are difficult to reach with occupational safety and health (OSH) information. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed a pilot study testing the feasibility of fire departments disseminating OSH information to small businesses during fire inspections. METHODS Two sets of postcards were developed with unique, trackable URLs for the NIOSH Small Business Resource Guide. One set was distributed by firefighters, the other was mailed to small businesses. Participating inspectors were met with to discuss their experience. RESULTS Neither distribution method resulted in a substantial number of site visits. Inspectors believed distributing postcards was an easy addition to their duties, and saw value in safety information. CONCLUSIONS There are barriers beyond awareness of availability that prevent small business owners from seeking OSH information. Research should focus on identifying barriers and developing better OSH information diffusion mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenna M. Keller
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Education and Information Division, 1090 Tusculum Avenue, MS C-10, Cincinnati, OH 45226, United States
| | - Thomas R. Cunningham
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Education and Information Division, 1090 Tusculum Avenue, MS C-10, Cincinnati, OH 45226, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim JS, Kim DS, Gil HJ, Park YS, Sin HH, Park JT. Significance and prospect of workers health center. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2014. [DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2014.57.2.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Seo Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
- Gyeonggi-seobu Workers Health Center, Siheung, Korea
| | - Dae-Seong Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
- Gyeonggi-seobu Workers Health Center, Siheung, Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Gil
- Gyeonggi-seobu Workers Health Center, Siheung, Korea
| | - Young-Sik Park
- Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hyeon-Hwa Sin
- Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jong-Tae Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
- Gyeonggi-seobu Workers Health Center, Siheung, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Henderson C, Williams P, Little K, Thornicroft G. Mental health problems in the workplace: changes in employers' knowledge, attitudes and practices in England 2006-2010. Br J Psychiatry 2013; 55:s70-6. [PMID: 23553698 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.112.112938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2006 the Shaw Trust charity found high levels of ignorance and poor preparedness to deal with mental health problems among 480 senior employers in the UK. The UK government, non-governmental organisations and Time to Change (TTC) have since provided relevant assistance to employers. AIMS To examine whether there have been improvements in mental health-related knowledge, attitudes and workplace practices among British senior employers between 2006 and 2010. METHOD A telephone survey was conducted of senior British employers (n = 480 in 2006 and n = 500 in 2009 and 2010). RESULTS An increased awareness of common mental health problems was detected. Employers continued to believe that job candidates should disclose a mental health problem, but became less likely to view colleagues' attitudes as a barrier to employing someone with such a problem. Formal policies on mental health and the use of workplace accommodations became increasingly common. CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with those of the TTC national public attitudes and the Viewpoint survey of service users between 2008 and 2010, which showed improved public attitudes to mental illness and a reduction in experiences of discrimination in employment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Henderson
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Box PO29, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gunnarsson K, Andersson IM, Josephson M. Swedish entrepreneurs' use of occupational health services. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 59:437-45. [PMID: 21973286 DOI: 10.3928/08910162-20110927-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Small-scale enterprises are less often covered by occupational health services and have insufficient awareness about health and risks in the work environment. This study investigated how Swedish entrepreneurs in small-scale enterprises use occupational health services. The study used a questionnaire sent in two waves, 5 years apart. At baseline, 496 entrepreneurs responded, and 251 participated 5 years later. The questionnaire included items about affiliation with and use of occupational health services, physical and psychosocial work environments, work environment management, sources of work environment information, and membership in professional networks. Only 3% of entrepreneurs without employees and 19% of entrepreneurs with employees were affiliated with an occupational health service. Entrepreneurs affiliated with occupational health services were more active in work environment management and gathering information about the work environment. The occupational health services most used were health examinations, health care, and ergonomic risk assessments. Affiliation with occupational health services was 6% at both measurements, 4% at baseline, and 10% 5 years later.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Gunnarsson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Laird I, Olsen K, Harris L, Legg S, Perry MJ. Utilising the characteristics of small enterprises to assist in managing hazardous substances in the workplace. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2011. [DOI: 10.1108/17538351111143312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
12
|
|
13
|
Employers' attitudes to people with mental health problems in the workplace in Britain: changes between 2006 and 2009. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2011; 20:73-81. [PMID: 21657118 DOI: 10.1017/s204579601100014x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This study examines whether there have been improvements in mental health-related knowledge, attitudes and workplace practices among British employers between 2006 and 2009. METHOD In 2006, the Shaw Trust surveyed 550 British employers. Telephone interviews ascertained their knowledge, attitudes and practices related to mental health in the workplace. This study compares their findings with a repeat survey of 500 employers in 2009. RESULTS In 2006, 33% of employers reported that none of their employees would develop a mental health problem during their working lifetime, dropping to 7% in 2009. In both years, less than a third of companies had formal policies on stress and mental health. In 2006, 68% agreed they would be flexible in offering adjustments to someone with mental ill-health, rising to 87% in 2009. In 2006, 76% agreed that British industry needs more support to improving the way it deals with mental health in the workplace, increasing to 88% in 2009. CONCLUSIONS While employers' mental health knowledge significantly improved and many offer 'reasonable adjustments', there is a need to formalise these arrangements and for further training and support. Resistance to the Equality Bill amendment banning pre-employment health questions, with exceptions, is predicted based on employers' preference for pre-employment disclosure.
Collapse
|
14
|
Moriguchi J, Ikeda M, Sakuragi S, Takeda K, Muto T, Higashi T, Weel ANH, van Dijk FJ. Activities of occupational physicians for occupational health services in small-scale enterprises in Japan and in the Netherlands. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2010; 83:389-98. [PMID: 20130904 PMCID: PMC2836247 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-010-0514-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Occupational health service (OHS) for small-scale enterprises (SSEs) is still limited in many countries. Both Japan and the Netherlands have universal OHS systems for all employees. The objective of this survey was to examine the activities of occupational physicians (OPs) in the two countries for SSEs and to investigate their proposals for the improvement of service. METHODS Questionnaires on types and sizes of the industries they serve, allocation of service hours (current and desired), sources of information for occupational health activities etc. were mailed in 2006 to 461 and 335 Japanese and Dutch OPs, respectively, who have served in small- and medium-scale enterprises. In practice, 107 Japanese (23%) and 106 Dutch physicians (32%) replied, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Total service time per month was longer for OPs in the Netherlands than OPs in Japan. Japanese OPs spent more hours for health and safety meetings, worksite rounds, and prevention of overwork-induced ill health (14-16% each). Dutch OPs used much more hours for the guidance of absent workers (48%). Thus, service conditions were not the same for OPs in the two countries. Nevertheless, both groups of OPs unanimously considered that employers are the key persons for the improvement of OHS especially in SSEs and their education is important for better OHS. The conclusions should be taken as preliminary, however, due to study limitations including low response rates in both groups of physicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiro Moriguchi
- Kyoto Industrial Health Association (Mibu Office), 4-1 Mibu-Sujakucho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8871, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gunnarsson K, Andersson IM, Rosén G. Systematic Work Environment Management: experiences from implementation in Swedish small-scale enterprises. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2010; 48:185-196. [PMID: 20424349 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.48.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Small-scale enterprises face difficulties in fulfilling the regulations for organising Systematic Work Environment Management. This study compared three groups of small-scale manufacturing enterprises with and without support for implementing the provision. Two implementation methods, supervised and network method, were used. The third group worked according to their own ideas. Twenty-three enterprises participated. The effects of the implementation were evaluated after one year by semi-structured dialogue with the manager and safety representative. Each enterprise was classified on compliance with ten demands concerning the provision. The work environment was estimated by the WEST-method. Impact of the implementation on daily work was also studied. At the follow-up, the enterprises in the supervised method reported slightly more improvements in the fulfilment of the demands in the provision than the enterprises in the network method and the enterprises working on their own did. The effect of the project reached the employees faster in the enterprises with the supervised method. In general, the work environment improved to some extent in all enterprises. Extensive support to small-scale enterprises in terms of advise and networking aimed to fulfil the regulations of Systematic Work Environment Management had limited effect - especially considering the cost of applying these methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Gunnarsson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Brosseau LM, Fredrickson AL, Casey MA. Small business owners' opinions about written health and safety information. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2007; 45:209-16. [PMID: 17485864 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.45.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Owners of small manufacturing businesses from twelve industrial sectors (n=40) participated in focus groups. They most frequently read trade and local business publications; few regularly read or receive health and safety materials. They select business-related materials that are specific to their business, give them new ideas, or have information that is easy to use. Insurance companies and business associations are the most frequently mentioned sources of health and safety information. The most important aspects of a prototype newsletter are sponsorship, color and graphics, length and relevance. Most are positive about a university logo, because it indicates a trusted source. The front page should have a table of contents with short descriptions of articles and catchy headlines. A newsletter should take no more than ten minutes to read. Owners did not like articles that were written in first person, used quotes, were too personal or gave no solutions. Owners think a newsletter will be successful if it is targeted to their industry, shows costs, includes case studies about local businesses, isn't too academic, focuses on a different topic with each issue, and gives readers an opportunity to provide feedback.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Brosseau
- University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|