EVALUATING OCCUPATIONAL-HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMS IN THE PUBLIC-SECTOR

Background Two case studies are presented of public sector occupationa l health and safety (OHS) program evaluations, one of an occupational medicine and safety program (OMSP), one of an employee assistance and wellness program (EAWP).Methods Both audits involved interviews with k ey personnel, review of written documentation and physical resources, chart audits, and surveys of the programs' stakeholders. Results Key f indings of the OMSP evaluation were that the various functions were su bstantially hampered by the absence of an integrated information syste m. Mechanisms for effective coordination, communication, and feedback were also lacking. The EAWP audit concluded that it provided a valuabl e and needed service. The mission, staff facilities, and services offe red were in line with the needs of the served community. Discussion Di fferences between private and public sector OHS program evaluation inc lude programmatic and environmental factors such as resource availabil ity organizational structure, and accountability. Similarities include trends in both sectors forcing programs to justify themselves in term s of economic benefits to their respective organizations. (C) 1998 Wil ey-Liss, Inc.