Issue:
This research study will obtain detailed estimates of firm-level expenditures and investments in occupational health and safety (OHS) for a representative sample of employers in the province of Ontario. The study will replicate a study design pioneered by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and the German Social Accident Insurance funds (DGUV). This groundbreaking study, titled “Calculating the International Return on Prevention for Companies: Costs and Benefits of Investments in Occupational Safety and Health” obtained detailed estimates of firm-level OHS expenditures and investments for more than 330 companies in 19 countries. The ISSA/DGUV study reported that the average investment per employee per year was more than €1,200. There is no comparable source of information on employer expenditures and investments in occupational health and safety in the province of Ontario. This study will address this gap by replicating the features of the ISSA/DGUV structured interview design in a sample of approximately 350 Ontario employers recruited from among firms that have previously participate in the Ontario Leading Indicators Project (OLIP).
Objectives:
•To obtain detailed estimates of firm-level expenditures and investments in occupational health and safety (OHS) for a representative sample of employers in the province of Ontario.
•To obtain estimates of OHS expenditures and investments on the following six dimensions: 1. Personal protective equipment, 2. Guidance on safety technology, 3. Staff training, 4. Organizational costs, 5. Investment costs and 6. Start-up costs.
Anticipated Results:
This study will provide the current estimates of firm-level expenditures and investments in OHS for a representative sample of Ontario employers. The project will prepare sector benchmark reports which will be of interest to OHS professionals in the design and implementation of policies and programs and which will serve as a foundation for the future monitoring of employer investments in OHS in Canada. The information obtained from this survey will also have the potential to inform prevention system priorities.
Investigators:
Cameron Mustard, Emile Tompa
