How effective is OHS training on worker behavior, health?

Training and education programs improve the occupational health and safety practices of workers, but little evidence suggests whether the training reduces injuries, according to a joint study from NIOSH and the Canadian nonprofit organization Institute for Work & Health.

The report (.pdf file) reviewed 22 studies of OHS training research. While the NIOSH and IWH report concluded training was effective on worker OHS behaviors, results on its effectiveness on worker health were inconsistent. Additionally, there were not enough studies to draw a conclusion as to the effectiveness of a single "high-engagement" training session over a single low- or medium-engagement session.

Researchers recommended more high-quality research on OHS training.