Research Project Summary

Year Funded: 2011 Budget: $50,000 Funding Agency: WorkSafeBC
Title: Occupational Health Incident Reporting System for the Forestry Sector
Category: Intervention Research
Subcategory: Intervention Research
Keywords: Incident reporting, Forestry, Information System
Link to research website:

Issue:

The BC forestry sector as a whole does not have a consistent method for incident reporting and injury tracking. This research project will build on an existing Occupational Health and Safety Information System (OHASIS), which includes a module for tracking, reporting, and management of occupational injuries, and will tailor the system for the forestry sector. The intent is to provide a platform for consistent data collection which will allow employers, unions, and organizations to be proactive in their injury prevention efforts.

Objectives:

The aim of this project is to determine the feasibility of a using a web based incident tracking system for the forestry sector. Specifically, it will aim to:
• determine, through a collaborative consultation process, the most relevant and useful incident, injury, and investigation coding data for use by the forestry industry;
• adapt the OHASIS incident reporting module, to fit the specifications as determined;
• adapt the required paper-based forms, as necessary;
• implement the web-based system on a publically accessible website;
• train a select group of users, who will pilot the system for a 6-month period;
• evaluate the feasibility, accessibility, user-friendliness, and effectiveness of the system with respect to use within the forestry sector of BC

Anticipated Results:

This project will evaluate how feasible a consolidated web-based injury tracking and reporting system is for the forestry sector, and identify the main barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Investigators:

Annalee Yassi (University of British Columbia)