"Participatory action research (PAR) has been beneficial in building an occupational health and safety program. This article focuses on the lessons learned by the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) Health and Safety Department. PEF's department has mobilized members to design and implement preventive programs that address key hazards. Members' key priority areas have been identified as workplace violence prevention, infectious disease control, ergonomics, and indoor air quality. We have documented hazards and feasible interventions in specific work environments and the research provides a model that can be implemented elsewhere. PAR also can help reduce a difficult barrier for researchers interested in workplace issues-- access. Using PAR is different than traditional quantitative research methods; some differences are considered."

Support: Digital