In 2011 and 2012, data were collected using surveys designed
to assess and link existing safety management system practices,
employee engagement levels, and safety performance outcomes.
Two separate large scale studies were conducted during this time
period. For study number one, a survey was administered to
safety managers and was designed to investigate the relationship
between a system of safety management practices (as well as individual
practices) with objective safety performance statistics (e.g.,
accident rates) through a measure of employee engagement. In
study number two, we utilized a group-level research approach
and analyzed the relationship between the system of safety management
practices, employee-reported engagement levels, and
self-reported injuries and illnesses within establishment units (e.g.,
work groups). This second study largely targeted first line supervisors
and their workers.