emily h. sparer, paul j. catalano, robert f. herrick, jack t. dennerlein may 8, 2015 improving...

Emily H. Sparer, Paul J. Catalano,

Robert F. Herrick, Jack T. Dennerlein

May 8, 2015

Improving Construction Site Safety Communication and Climate through a

Safety Communication and Recognition Program

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Study Rationale and Goal

• Lagging indicator-based safety incentive program• Recognizes low injury rates• Communicates the importance of reduction in injury reporting, not

actual injuries (Lipscomb et al. 2013, AJIM)

• Leading indicator-based safety incentive program• Recognizes creation and maintenance of safe working conditions

Study Goal: Evaluate the efficacy of a leading indicator safety incentive program on safety conditions.

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B-SAFE: Safety Communication and Recognition Program

Sparer et al., 2015, New Solutions

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Study Design

• Cluster randomized controlled trial• Eight worksites (4 intervention matched w/ 4 control)• ~5 months/site

• Pre/post exposure safety

climate analysis• 9-item (90-point) scale

(Dedobbleleer and Beland, 1991)

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Study Sample (n=615) • Response rate: 74%• Male (97%)• White (83%)• Union members (98%)• Mean age: 42• Journeymen (61%)• Mechanical trades (63%)

Mixed Effects Regression Model

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ModelOther variables

included in modelEffect

estimateN

Standard error

P-value

Model 1 – Unadjusted -- 1.98 604 1.37 0.15

Model 2 – Adjusted

•Worksite pair 2.06 604 0.85 0.016

Model 3 – Adjusted

•Worksite pair •Worker trade•Title•Race/ethnicity•Month started on-site•Total of time on-site

2.29 600 0.91 0.012

Primary independent variable: treatment effect (control/intervention)Dependent variable: change in pre- and post- B-SAFE exposure safety climate Random effect: site variable

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Study Conclusions• Programs that engage all workers by

recognizing safe working conditions and strong communication offer an alternative to controversial lagging indicator-based programs

• Simple programs that build upon existing site programs and policies can have a positive and sustainable impact on worksite health and safety

Thank you!

emily.sparer@mail.harvard.edu

www.northeastern.edu/b-safe