Translation research in occupational safety and health: A proposed framework

Abstract

Translation research in occupational safety and health is the application of scientific investigative approaches to study how the outputs of basic and applied research can be effectively translated into practice and have an impact. This includes the study of the ways in which useful knowledge and interventions are disseminated, adopted, implemented, and institutionalized. In this paper, a 4-stage framework (Development, Testing, Institutionalization, and Evaluation) is presented. Translation research can be used to enhance the use and impact of occupational safety and health knowledge and interventions to protect workers. This type of research has not received much attention in the occupational safety and health field. However, in contemporary society, it is critical to know how to make an impact with the findings and outputs of basic and applied research. This paper provides a novel framework for consideration of how to advance and prioritize translation research for occupational safety and health.

Research Methodologies for Total Worker Health ®

“…These strategies may be used throughout the research process and combined with quantitative assessments to confirm scientific accuracy and provide metrics around participation. These metrics and other measures of dissemination and implementation 13,14 would offer supplementary information on the process and strategies used, why workers or employers participate or not, and the makeup of the intended audience.…”

“…13,14 This is because intervention research, in particular, accounts for the majority of the TWH literature to date and was emphasized in the recommendations and goals by the Independent Panel of the Pathways to Prevention 2015 Meeting 11 and the National TWH Agenda. 12 …”

Identifying Safety Training Resource Needs in the Cattle Feeding Industry in the Midwestern United States

“…Schulte and colleagues (2017) developed a conceptual framework for translational research in occupational safety and health, which consists of four phases: (1) development, (2) testing, (3) institutionalization, and (4) evaluation [13]. Phase 1 (Development) explores a potential intervention, including "proof of concept" testing, dosage, and possible strategies to scale up.…”

“…Phase 3 (Institutionalization) focuses on whether the intervention actually works and assesses dissemination and implementation across a broad range of workplace settings. Finally, phase 4 (Evaluation) measures the outcomes and impact of the intervention [13].…”

Cell Phone Ownership and Cellular Text/Email Capabilities Among Temporary and Payroll Construction Workers

“…The construction industry has grown its use of non-standard employment arrangements and employment through temporary staffing agencies, further challenging approaches to follow-up with construction workers for research studies (6). The rise of low cost communication technologies such as smart phones and pre-paid mobile phone plans in recent years has brought both new opportunities and challenges for occupational health professionals (7)(8)(9). Identification of construction worker factors that support consistent and regular engagement in a research project long after they have left the construction site is needed.…”