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Maritime Safety and Health Studies: Program Impact

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NIOSH researcher demonstrating one of the new types of personal flotation devices on the market. Photo: NIOSH

NIOSH researcher demonstrating one of the new types of personal flotation devices on the market. Photo: NIOSH

Program Impact

NIOSH is committed to program evaluation to maximize its contributions to improved occupational safety and health. Regular review of program activities, outputs, and outcomes is essential to demonstrating program performance. The Center for Maritime Safety and Health Studies will conduct reviews and share program impact in a variety of ways.

Program Performance One-pager

Program Performance One-Pagers (PPOPs) are a snapshot of NIOSH programs’ priorities, strategies used to make progress towards priorities, recent accomplishments, and upcoming work.

Center for Maritime Safety and Health Program Performance One-Pagerpdf iconpdf icon

Impact Sheets

NIOSH conducted a study to determine which types of Personal Flotation Devices were preferred by fishermen. The results of this study were used by a PFD manufacturer to design a PFD that could be worn continuously while on deck.

A Story of Impact: PFD Manufacturer Adopts NIOSH Research into Product Development Process

The National Transportation Safety Board invited NIOSH to present at the Fishing Vessel Safety Forum. NIOSH research presented during the forum was used by the NTSB in developing recommendations to improve the safety of commercial fishing.

A Story of Impact: NIOSH Research Cited in Recommendations for Improving Commercial Fishing Safety

Program Review

NIOSH understands that external expert review is one of the most valid and accepted methods of evaluating research programs. Consequently, NIOSH requested that the National Academies evaluate NIOSH research programs with respect to their impact, relevance, and future directions. The National Academies was asked to evaluate what NIOSH research programs are producing and to determine the extent to which NIOSH research is responsible for changes in the workplace that reduce the risk of occupational injuries, illnesses, and deaths. More information is available at the National Academies Evaluation of NIOSH Research Programs page.

In two reviews by the National Academies, the NIOSH Commercial Fishing Safety Research and Design Project was recognized for its contribution to the 74% decline in fishing fatalities since 1990. The reviews acknowledged its success in engaging stakeholders and in disseminating information to industry.

The National Academies found the NIOSH Commercial Fishing Safety Research and Design Project work to be:

“… an exemplary research program with concentrated research topics, clear goals, and adequate resources. Several factors contributed to the success of the well-executed program: research that was focused and targeted, use of clear and consistent surveillance methods, involvement of key stakeholders, and motivated core staff to ensure project continuity.”

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Page last reviewed: February 18, 2020
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health