[Effectiveness trial for prevention of occupational injuries in the wood processing industry]

Abstract

Background: Training is a key tool to improve prevention and safety management at the workplace. Few studies have aimed at assessing quality of training and its outcomes.

Objectives and methods: This paper describes the rationale, design, content, and evaluation of an ongoing randomized controlled trial aimed at assessing the effectiveness of a training programme designed to reduce the risk of occupational injuries among employees of the wood processing industry.

Discussion and conclusions: Well designed, targeted training programmes could represent a feasible means of reducing work injuries by improving employers' behaviour and attitudes towards safety; nevertheless, these kinds of interventions have a considerable impact both in terms of human resources and in terms of cost. For these reasons, assessment of effectiveness and knowledge-sharing should be considered as essential phases of injury prevention programmes.