Protecting workers who spray-on truck bed liners: Understanding audience perceptions and information dissemination

The transfer of knowledge gained from research into prevention practices into the workplace is fundamental to the mission of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Understanding the vast audience segments in the occupational safety and health community, the varying levels of competing economic, industrial, and protection interests, and how these segments best receive, comprehend, and use research-related products and services is critical to supporting and expanding translational research. However, very little evidence-based, audience-centered occupational safety and health research exists.

This preliminary project serves to contribute to the establishment of evidence-based guidelines for effectively translating occupational safety and health research. This study explores a workplace safety and health audience, their perception of recommended safe work practices, and preferred dissemination channels. Identified are audience segments in a growing spray-on truck bed liner industry of the more than 10,000 workers and 3000 shops. Workers who spray-on truck bed liners are potentially exposed to Methylene bis(phenyl isocyanate) [MDI]. Inhalation of MDI and other isocyanates can produce airway irritation and serious lung disease, including sensitization and asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Summarized is pilot research on an intended audience's awareness and attitudes of the dangers of isocyanate toxicity and recommended safe work practices, perceptions of an audience-centered communication product, and channels they receive workplace recommendations. Results from this research support current and future occupational safety and health communication products.