Statistically significant characteristics of organizations operating safely in hazardous environments.

摘要

This research identifies significant health and safety characteristics which are reducing fatal occupational injuries in hazardous occupations and describes these characteristics for broad application. Novel approaches are used, in particular the study of successes (i.e. non-significant fatality rates) rather than failures (i.e. fatalities) in these occupations, and the comparison of successful programs intra-occupationally.;A first phase of research involved the identification of hazardous occupations, defined through use of Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational Injury Data. Further qualification occurred through the application of a size criteria (50,000 employees/50 fatalities) and selection of specific jobs within the occupations who routinely work in hazardous environments. Data used was compiled during the timeframe 1992--1995 and occupations with fatal accident data skewed high were eliminated from study.;Four occupations and eleven specific jobs qualified for study. Subsequently, ninety Consensus National Health and Safety Standards were identified as applicable to these occupations; jobs. Fourteen of the ninety were found to meet the selected definition of a CNS.;Thirty-two health and safety characteristics were identified in these CNS. After application of a test for significant occurrence, twenty-two characteristics in seven broad areas were found to appear significantly, and are listed and described at Attachment A to the research. Conversely, identified characteristics which did not meet the test of statistical significance are listed and described at Attachment B.;These characteristics are described by the researcher in terms applicable to the specific occupational group under review, the larger cohort of "hazardous occupations" and other (non-hazardous) occupations as well.;The research concludes that the organizations reviewed are operating safely due to behaviors modeled on these twenty-two characteristics.;Seven recommendations for the utilization of information produced during this research conclude the document.