Overview
Key Words: Safety Training; Young Workers; MSDs; Risk Identification
Timeline: 2010 - 2012
Researchers: Phil Bigelow (Principal Investigator, University of Waterloo), Ann McIntosh (East Central Ontario Training Board). Student researcher: Craig Ervine (University of Waterloo)
Funder: Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD)
Project type: Seed grant
Sector/Workplace type: All
Theme:
Theme
3
Risk
assessment
and
hazard
identification
Background/rationale
The aim of the research was to investigate the question of how to raise awareness and extend knowledge concerning the risk of workplace injury, especially musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), among young workers.
Research question/objectives/methods
The research question asked: What is the structure of an MSD injury prevention campaign which provides lasting messaging and impact for young workers and what are the constituent elements for this kind of intervention deliverable?
The methods used to construct, coordinate and administer the research plan included literature reviews, a survey questionnaire, subject matter expert interviews and a student focus group meeting.
Key findings
The results of the research investigation provided persuasive evidence that the focus of any safety messaging initiative that seeks to reach a young worker cohort (ages 15-24) needs to be sourced in and supported by Web 2.0 social media applications. It was also clear that technology-based messaging iterations had greater chance of “sticking” against more static or one-off events.
Conclusions derived from the research initiative included the idea that traditional communication methods may not reliably resonate with a young worker audience and that the structure of safety or injury prevention knowledge messaging may penetrate more quickly and efficiently through the use of or linkage with recently emerged or emerging technology rather than traditional broadcast or delivery formats.
Implications for the prevention of MSDs
The student survey, presentation and focus group raised awareness of and knowledge about MSD workplace risks, injuries and potential quality of life outcomes amongst the student participants. Additionally, the focus group interaction consolidated MSD awareness information through dialogue and problem solving around ways to increase young worker knowledge of the risks associated with unsafe work practices and strategies to lessen, avoid, manage and/or eliminate such risks.