This paper reviews occupational health and safety intervention studies
published between 1988 and 1993 to gauge the nature and extent of res
earch in this area. Generally, the studies often lacked a theoretical
basis, used small samples, and tested interventions lacking the intens
ity to cause the desired change. Most designs were either nonexperimen
tal or quasi-experimental with uncontrolled sources of bias. Recommend
ations for future research include methods of minimizing the problems
and biases caused by these weaknesses. Nonmethodological issues such a
s the costs of implementing interventions and the cultural and politic
al dimensions of the workplace are also addressed. Although many metho
dological issues associated with field-based research are not easily a
ddressed, researchers should make a stronger attempt to address these
issues if the field of occupational health and safety intervention res
earch is to be productive.