Research Plus

Does OHS training work?

A systematic review was carried out to assess two fundamental questions: whether occupational health and safety (OHS) training has a beneficial effect on workers and employers; and whether higher engagement with training results in increased benefit. Twenty randomised controlled trials met initial inclusion criteria but only 14 were of sufficient quality for the evidence synthesis. There was strong evidence that OHS training was effective in changing targeted behaviours; small and inconsistent evidence that it had an effect on health; insufficient evidence on the effect of training on knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (though the published studies did show positive and large impacts); and insufficient evidence (too few studies) to conclude whether or not high engagement training is more effective than medium- or low-engagement training.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of training and education for the protection of workers. Toronto: Institute for Work & Health, 2010. http://www.iwh.on.ca/sys-reviews/training-and-education-programs

Tags evidence based practice training

Occupational Health at Work April/May 2010 (vol. 06/6) pp48