Abstract

The objective of this study was the definition of research priorities for each of the 10 priority industrial sectors defined by the CSST (Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail du Québec, Québec Occupational Health and Safety Commission). The working assumption throughout this process was that perceived risk complements other more easily observable and quantifiable measures (e.g. number of accidents, compensation costs). Data was collected during interviews with 57 occupational health and safety specialists designated by labour and management. The final study population consisted of 24 representatives of each group, representing 9 of the 10 priority sectors. An overall classification of perceived risk factors was generated from an analysis of the areas of labour-management consensus.
The results clearly indicate the critical importance of research in the fields of safety, air quality, and permanent hearing loss. Back pain and eye injury were perceived to be the most prevalent risks in almost all sectors. A number of sector-specific concerns were also identified. The IRSST has used the results of this research to establish research priorities and to found internal and external research groups in priority areas.