Building a strong foundation for occupational health and safety: Action research in the workplace.
BACKGROUND
Action research (AR) holds promise as a method to improve occupational health and safety.


METHODS
This case study explores the challenges and accomplishments during the first 6 months of an AR occupational health and safety committee at a manufacturing facility.


RESULTS
Critical steps in the formative phase of the AR project included: (1) addressing differing power levels and perceived ownership of management and production committee members; (2) developing a collaborative approach to communication and problem solving; and (3) transitioning from dependence on university leadership to shared leadership among the committee.


CONCLUSIONS
AR can lead to greater empowerment to address occupational health and safety issues, and to improved dialog between labor and management. AR can increase the likelihood that the problem will be understood, and effective solutions will be developed and their application supported and used throughout the organization.
Daltuva
Judith A
JA
Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, M6234 SPH II, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2029, USA. jdal@umich.edu
King
Katherine R
KR
Williams
Melina K
MK
Robins
Thomas G
TG
D001336:Automobiles; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003625:Data Collection; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D054585:National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (U.S.); D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014481:United States; D017132:Workplace