Association between marine corps safety management system assessment results and injury rates and outcomes

Abstract

Occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMSs) have been proposed as a method of managing human health and safety risk and reduce injuries and illnesses. The investigation objective was to determine the association between OHSMS performance, as measured by scores from assessments and inspections, and mishap rates and mishap outcomes. Results for 55 OHSMS assessments/inspections across 15 organizations from the years 2017–2022 were analyzed. Results were paired with 545 mishaps and according to mishap classification, mishap category, and mishap severity. Correlation analysis was conducted to determine strength and significance of association between OHSMS performance and mishap rates. Improved OHSMS performance, as measured by scores from assessments and inspections, was associated with lower severity mishap occurrence such as reduced rates of fatalities, permanent total and partial disability, and property damage. Mishaps involving fatalities and permanent total disability had the strongest association with measured OHSMS performance. This research indicates that higher levels of OHSMS performance may help reduce severe worker injuries and illnesses and reduce mishap costs.