IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Validation of a self-diagnosing tool and measurement progression model in OHS

Abstract

This report presents the validation procedure for a tool intended for Québec production and manufacturing companies for measuring occupational health and safety (OHS) culture. The researchers first validated their questionnaire with a group of experts in order to ensure that the scales developed would appropriately represent, in a hierarchical model, the employees’ observations regarding OHS practices in their workplace. They then confirmed the statistical validity of the measurement scales by using an approach allowing their testing despite their formative nature. Finally, their research identified the existence of three groups of respondents according to their sensitivity to OHS efforts (insensitive, barometers, very sensitive). The proportion of respondents in each group provides an indication of the advancement of the OHS culture in a company, even when no accidents occur. The development of this simple and user-friendly diagnostic tool will promote the adoption by companies of a learning philosophy relating to the best OHS practices rather than a performance philosophy based on the measurement of results.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-4200
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2008
Research Field: Special Projects
Team:
  • Mario Roy (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Jean Cadieux (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Lise Desmarais (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Louise Leclerc (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Lucie Fortier (Université de Sherbrooke)