| |
Outputs
eLCOSH is being restructured and redesigned to update the site, make use of new technology and improve functionality. |
|
|
Mary Watters, MFA
CPWR
Ph: 301-578-8500 ext.8523
Email: mwatters@cpwr.com
Year One:
Although CPWR’s Communications Department is engaged in many activities to disseminate critical research information, the overarching research project for 2010-11 is the reorganization and redesign of CPWR’s electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health, www.elcosh.org.
To provide direction and guidance, Communication staff assembled two eLCOSH Working Groups comprised of safety and health professionals from contractors, labor, government, and research. The groups met online, using free technology that enabled participants from Hawaii to South Carolina to discuss site content and formats to better meet their needs. Consultant Sharon Garber, PhD, developed tests and conducted surveys
with eLCOSH users, both in person and online, to create a“mental model” of how users categorize safety and health information. Eileen Betit, a professional with more than 20 years in union communication activities, brought added resources for recategorizing and analyzing the site information. The team, plus CPWR’s Jim Platner, PhD, will continue working with web development firm Conceptual Arts to present a new eLCOSH
in 2011.
Research Team and Partners: Conceptual Arts; Eileen Betit; Sharon Garber, PhD; Jim Platner, PhD. Members of the eLCOSH Working Group 1 & 2: contractor safety and health professionals, government, researchers, union trainers.
Abstract:
CPWR's Communications Department will manage and execute the work required for the Dissemination Project in this application. Within that scope, the Department has three major areas of operation: update and enhance eLCOSH, work with the r2p Coordinator and r2p Advisor on r2p plans and execution, and producing communications materials in all media and forms to raise awareness and educate target audiences on specific construction safety and health hazards and ways to reduce or eliminate them through the findings of evidence-based research.
The Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health (www.elcosh.org) will serve as the national repository of safety and health information, r2p and industry "best practices," and success stories. The Communications Department will restructure and update eLCOSH to produce a more dynamic site visually and add interactive features to increase use among trainers, safety officers and contractors. Work has already begun with the creation of eLCOSH Images to hold construction safety and health photos. In addition, Communication staff will establish an eLCOSH Working Group to provide guidance and recommendations to the new structure, aid in adding to the collection and promoting the Web site among industry stakeholders.
The results of dissemination -- evaluation of the best methods and materials for generating impact among target audiences -- affect r2p efforts. Therefore, the Communications Director will work closely with the r2p Coordinator, the r2p Advisor, a role filled by Elyse Levine of the Academy for Educational Development (AED), and internal and external researchers in formulating and executing r2p plans. CPWR's Communication Director and the r2p Advisor also will receive guidance and feedback from internal and external r2p committees.
The Communications Department will oversee the creation and dissemination of print, electronic and new media communications to raise awareness and educate target audiences on COSH issues.
Back to listing of new projects
|
