Effectiveness of injury/illness prevention and loss control programs: a systematic review

Reasons for the study

Injury/illness prevention and loss control programs help protect workers from injuries, meet regulatory requirements, reduce the negative effects of injuries and manage costs. These programs include the three Ps: work practices among employees, policies developed by employers, and programs required by legislation. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify studies that evaluated the effect of injury/illness prevention and loss control programs on reducing the frequency and/or severity of workplace injuries.

Progress

The systematic review, completed in 2008, found strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of disability management/return-to-work programs. Researchers recommend that workplaces develop multi-component disability management programs that involve the health-care provider, company supervisors and workers, and workers' compensation carriers.

Related research summaries

Related scientific publications

Project status

Completed 2007

Research team

  • Shelley Brewer, University of Texas (PI)
  • Eden King, George Mason University
  • Ben Amick, Institute for Work & Health
  • George Delclos, University of Texas
  • Jerome Spear, JE Spear Consulting
  • Emma Irvin, Institute for Work & Health
  • Quenby Mahood, Institute for Work & Health
  • Linda Lee, MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Cindy Lewis, Creative Safety Solutions
  • Lois Tetrick, George Mason University
  • David Gimeno, University College London
  • Renee Williams, McMaster University

Funded by

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario, University of Texas Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health