Focus groups/interviews: an integrative framework of occupational health and safety and health promotion in Australian workplaces

What is the purpose of this research?

Literature suggests that workplace interventions integrating occupational health and safety (OHS) and worksite health promotion (WHP) elements can be more effective in protecting and promoting worker health and safety. However, little is known about how to best plan, implement, and evaluate an integrated OHS-WHP approach. This part of the research aims to:

• understand the extent to which integrated approaches are currently implemented in Australia
• understand the contexts and reasons regarding why OHS interventions, WHP interventions, or integrated approaches, are implemented separately or together
• understand potential preferences and implementation contexts of integrated approaches.

Are you looking for people like me?

The research team is inviting participants who currently work in Australia as health and safety professionals, business managers, health promotion professionals, or occupational health professionals.

What will you ask me to do?

Your participation will involve an audio recorded focus group in person at agreed location or virtually via online applications (e.g. Zoom or Microsoft Teams) that will take about 60 minutes.

The PhD researcher will present the findings from an online survey to workers and then invite you to discuss interactively about whether and why integrated approaches are currently implemented in Australia and any related reasons and factors, suggestions and ideas, etc.

Note: if you are not able to attend focus groups at the agreed time (e.g. other commitments) or interested in attending individual interviews, the research team will contact you to discuss potential alternative arrangements, such as attending another focus group session or conducting an individual interview (in person and/or online).

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are no risks beyond normal day-to-day living associated with your participation in this research. However, there might be some minor discomfort when recalling your experiences with integrated approaches. It should be noted that if you do agree to participate, you can withdraw from participation in the research project without implications.

During the discussion, your identify is unlikely to remain anonymous. However, we will discourage participants from disclosing any private or confidential information, using any note-taking means, and sharing such information with third parties. Nonetheless, there is still some risk that a participant might repeat what another person has stated during those sessions. Every effort will be made to ensure that the data you provide cannot be traced back to you in any subsequent reports, presentations, and other forms of publications.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is expected that this research project will not benefit you directly. However, it may benefit wider Australian workers in the future, as it will offer comprehensive, in-depth, and evidence-based practical insights into integrated approaches of OHS and WHP interventions.

I am interested - what should I do next?

Provide your details for participating in the study

For more information contact Yanming Lu via email yanming.lu@hdr.qut.edu.au or phone 0404 896 180.