Workplace Health and Safety Strategy:
Outcome Monitoring Framework - Document for Consultation

Phase Two: Additional Data Collection

Phase 2 relates to the collection of additional data to provide measures of indicators that relate to lower level outcomes. These measures are not currently available and will have to be identified and developed further.

Phase 1 of the monitoring framework consists of indicators where measurement information is currently available, or can be collected/analysed at minimal cost. These indicators cover most of the 'high level' outcomes reasonably well (with work-related illness data being the notable exception). With only this information, it should be possible to determine the extent to which the overall vision of the Strategy, of 'healthy people in safe and productive workplaces', is being achieved. However, it would be difficult to determine if the existence of the Strategy had actually contributed to achieving these goals (which would make it impossible to evaluate the effectiveness of the Strategy as an intervention).

Therefore, it is suggested that collection of this information could be considered as part of a second phase of monitoring. However, Phase 2 monitoring would require investing significant resources, and could involve a time lag of up to two years before new data could be collected and reported. In addition, baseline data (e.g. pre-2005) for most of the Phase 2 measures would not be available. These factors would need to taken into account in making a decision about whether to proceed with this phase.

A broad outline of the proposed Phase 2 monitoring activities is provided below. In addition, the outcome matrices show more specifically which outcomes would require additional collection of information, and what form this collection could take. If it is decided to proceed with Phase Two monitoring, more detailed planning would be required - for example, to determine for which outcomes additional information is most needed, and whether all, or only some, of the suggested monitoring activities should be undertaken.

Preventive Workplace Cultures

To assess the levels of health and safety awareness, knowledge, capability and practice of employers and employees (in both public and private sectors), surveys could be undertaken. These surveys could also include questions about industry leadership, availability of support and guidance, and standards (as appropriate).Accessing accurate information about workplace illness is dependent on the development of a functioning occupational disease surveillance system. The absence of this information has been noted for some time.^[1] The Department of Labour is intending to move forward with this project in 2009.

Government Leadership and Practices

The employer and employee surveys described above would also provide information about the health and safety practice within government agencies. In addition, a stock take and/or key stakeholder questionnaire could be carried out to assess progress around data sharing, and alignment of roles, responsibilities, work programmes and standards.

Industry Leadership and Community Engagement

A key stakeholder questionnaire could be used to assess health and safety awareness and knowledge amongst industry organisations, and a stock take could be used to assess development of and participation in industry level initiatives and training.

Footnotes

^[1] Most recently in the reports authored by Pearce et al for NOHSAC in 2004, 2005 and 2007.

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