01-3560. Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, call the CDC Reports Clearance Officer on [phone].

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques for other forms of information technology. Send comments to Anne O'Connor, CDC Assistant Reports Clearance Officer, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-D24, Atlanta, GA 30333. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.

Proposed Project

Evaluating Toolbox Training Safety Program for Construction and Mining—NEW—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is proposing to evaluate the effectiveness of various educational approaches utilizing “toolbox” safety training materials targeted to construction and mining industries. The mission of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is to promote safety and health at work for all people through research and prevention.

In comparison to other industries, construction and mining, workers continue to have the highest rates of occupational fatalities and injuries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated for 1999 that while the construction industry comprises only 6% of the workforce, they account for 20% of the fatal occupational injuries across all industry types (BLS, 1999). Similarly, though the mining industry comprises less than .5% of the workforce, this industry reflects 2% of all fatal occupational injuries (BLS, 1999).

Research on the effectiveness of safety and health training programs has revealed that training can lead to increases in worker knowledge and awareness of workplace safety practices. However, fewer evaluations of safety training effectiveness have investigated the relationship between various instructional approaches and the actual transfer of safety training information into workplace practices. Preliminary input from employees, managers, and union leaders representing construction and mining concerns revealed a desire in these industries for affordable safety training materials that can be effectively administered in short sessions on the job. Representatives from these industries reported that safety training sessions need to establish a closer connection between the safety recommendations and the background experiences and knowledge of the workers.

An instructional approach that may address these needs is often called “toolbox” or “tailgate” training. This type of training is characterized by brief (15 minute) workplace safety lessons. Despite the popularity of toolbox safety talks, research is needed to identify the most effective format for this medium. NIOSH will investigate the impact of using a narrative, case-study instructional approach versus a more typical, didactic “learn the facts” approach. Comparative analyses will examine differences in knowledge gain, safety attitudes and beliefs, and workplace behaviors. Findings from this research will help identify the conditions critical to effective toolbox safety training for mining and construction. The materials developed and evaluated during this study will be made available to the public at the conclusion of the evaluation.

Construction and mining companies who participate in the study will be randomly assigned to receive eight weekly toolbox safety training sessions that use either a case-study narrative or conventional instructional approach. The training sessions are designed to last fifteen minutes. The impact of these materials will be evaluated through the examination of changes in employee knowledge gains, attitudes toward safety practices, and the use of safety behaviors prior to and following their participation in the safety training program. Trainers will complete brief response cards each week. A sample of trainers will participate in structured interviews.

Findings of the study will be reported to participants and in the literature. There are no costs associated with participation in this study.

Respondents	No. of respondents	Number of responses per respondent	Avg. burden per response (in hrs.)	Total burden (in Hours)
Employees	400	2 (pretest and post-test surveys)	15/60	200
Trainers	40	8 (weekly customer feedback cards)	5/60	27
Trainers	10 (drawn from the 40 above)	1 (structured interviews)	60/60	10
Total				237

Dated: February 6, 2001.

Nancy Cheal,

Acting Associate Director for Policy, Planning, and Evaluation Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).