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Featured Application: The CHAP-Risk tool uses information from Safety Data Sheets to undertake 'hazard banding' to assess the hazard potential of chemicals while also using basic information on how chemicals are used to assess the risk posed to workers. There are a large number of chemicals commercially available, but relatively few have legislated occupational exposure limits. Assessing the hazard and risk posed by most chemicals used in the workplace is therefore challenging, especially for small workplaces. This paper describes the development of an easy-to-use MS Excel spreadsheet-based tool (called CHAP-Risk) designed to assist small businesses to undertake a simple assessment of the health and safety risks posed by the chemicals they use. We developed the CHAP-Risk tool through engaging an expert review panel and undertaking a detailed review of existing tools, and by validating a trial version which was piloted by six workplaces and 59 workers. We received multiple rounds of feedback from key experts and end-users, and in response, through 58 versions, refined CHAP-Risk to produce the final free public-release version of the tool. Workplace participants thought that the CHAP-Risk tool would be useful in improving worker and employers' understanding of workplace chemical risks. However, because this tool required users to have more in-depth knowledge of workplaces' processes, there was mixed feedback on its usability: those with OHS training were very positive, while others thought it would be too difficult for shop-floor workers to use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In workplace health interventions, engaging management and union decision makers is considered important for the success of the project, yet little research has described the process of making this happen. A case study of a knowledge-transfer process is presented to describe the practices and processes adopted by a knowledge broker who engaged workplace parties in discussions on research on physical and psychosocial factors important for employee health. The process included one-on-one interactions between the knowledge broker and individuals to explain the research, to build trust and credibility, and to explore the applicability of the research to their work (sense making). It also included facilitated group sessions, where the groups explored how the research could solve problems within the workplace (social construction of knowledge). The workplace context offered multiple opportunities that helped and hindered the flow of research. Nevertheless, this intense, sustained, knowledge-transfer intervention noted conceptual, structural, and political knowledge use.

BACKGROUND: Research conducted in collaboration between academic and non-academic partners (known as integrated knowledge translation [iKT]) in the field of occupational health and safety needs to be evaluated. OBJECTIVE: This study examined three collaborative workplace-based intervention projects that focused on reducing exposure to occupational carcinogens. Practice, policy and advocacy intermediary organizations partnered with multidisciplinary groups of researchers. This evaluation study sought to understand the characteristics of successful and unsuccessful iKT partnerships from the perspective of the intermediaries. METHODS: Researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with 21 intermediaries and used a thematic-driven "framework analysis" method to analyze the interviews, based upon an evolving conceptual framework. RESULTS: Seven enablers and barriers of collaboration were identified. Enablers included having: adequate capacity; defined project roles; the right partners; an inclusive project leader; mutual respect; good communication; and shared values and priorities. Lacking these was considered a barrier. Seven outcomes were identified as: improved relevance and quality of the research; learning about each others' "world"; building contacts; improved use of research in practice and policy; dissemination of the research; development of trust and goodwill; and continued collaborations. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations for future collaborative studies include: spend time defining roles, responsibilities, and expectations; ensure practitioners have the time and resources, and the commitment to the project; and choose representatives from the organizations with the necessary skills or decision-making mandate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A city in northern Ontario, which has suffered more than a century of pollution from mining, went from being internationally notorious for its pollution to winning awards for its environmental restoration. The inquiry was into the levers of change that led from an awareness of environmental destruction to taking action. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 people from the community, politicians, industry, miners, and academics. The theory-based analysis led to a community-change model that has helped identify the multiple layers of change required for the re-greening of the environment. With reference to the collective impact literature, this city-level case study found that the city has embraced change based upon agreement on an emerging vision, taking advantage of a confluence of timing and events, adopting evidence-based knowledge, building a sense of pride and place, and having a diffuse yet linked leadership. The Sudbury story is helpful for other industrial communities looking to achieve change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers an overview and an evaluation of the process of transferring a complex body of knowledge 1mm a research institute to workplace parties. it includes practical insights into the "how" of building knowledge transfer networks. it also describes the development ofa network- based strategy to transfer knowledge about workplace safety/ergonomics to a group of practitioner- based associations within Ontario's Health & Safety Prevention system. The purpose of the practitioner network was to have them become knowledge binkers of the research linking to multiple workplaces in many different sectors. This strategy builds on the theoretical frameworks of knowledge transfer and network theory. Through multiple group interactions, the practitioners became familiar with the research, identified matching concepts between the research and their experiences saw the research as relevant, adopted the principles of the research, and went on to apply it with their client workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study that described knowledge transfer intervention with three manufacturing workplaces and explored the issues of intensity, duration and the interactive nature of positive relationship building and highlights the implications for knowledge transfer on workplace health and safety. Methodology of the study; Findings and discussion on the study.