Are government alliances a threat to workplace safety? Evaluation of a governmental voluntary protection program

It seems that organizations in the new global economy has shifted from high paying, unionized plants to low way non union facilities. Government alliances may be perceived to have the potential to undermine workers' health and safety. Both government and private sector organizations are increasingly seeing the value of evidence based information to guide decisions about their safety programs existing policies. There are very few studies that evaluate the process and outcomes of safety programs that have alliances or partnerships between government, management and labor. The purpose of this case study is to conduct an evaluation of program effectiveness, report findings and offer recommendations for the possible expansion for such alliances. In conclusion, the data in this research clearly point out that safety and health programs can only be successful if the program elements such as management commitment, employee involvement, hazard anticipation, hazard abatement, training and program review are present. However, this researcher contends lagging indicators of safety performance such as injury and illness rates should not be used to determine the overall effectiveness of a program. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies allow for a better understanding of the link between intervention and outcomes (perceptions and values) as well as objective data to guide decisions about organizational programs and policies. Based on the findings from this case study, this researcher recommends such programs be expanded only if there are methodologies utilized to objectively determine the levle of management commitment and employee involvement in the occupational safety and health program.