How are leaders using benchmarking information in occupational health and safety decision-making?

摘要

Despite the growing awareness of the importance of using research to inform occupational health and safety (OHS) practice, little is known about whether this information is applied in workplaces. As part of two research projects, organizational leaders were provided with benchmarking reports to support OHS decision-making and performance improvement. Using a knowledge use framework, we examined how leaders used benchmarking reports in OHS decision-making. Thirty organizational leaders with OHS responsibilities from eight sectors were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to organize data and to identify, analyze, and report themes. Leaders noted that benchmarking reports contained helpful information and they were often used in some capacity for making OHS decisions. There were examples of conceptual, symbolic, and instrumental knowledge use. Leaders also discussed other information needs in OHS decision-making, such as best practices information and access to experts. Findings suggest that providing leaders with practical information and tools can help in decision making and improving OHS performance.