Usability Evaluation of an Online Workplace Health and Safety Return on Investment Calculator

Abstract

The online Return on Investment (ROI) calculator developed by the Queensland Government (Australia) is a financial evaluation tool that is publicly available and captures the direct and indirect costs and benefits of implementing a workplace health and safety (WHS) intervention to estimate a comprehensive ROI figure. Whilst cost is an important factor in decision-making, how useful is such a tool to WHS professionals in deciding whether to implement a WHS control? Aim: This study aimed to evaluate user perceptions of the online ROI calculator’s usefulness, ease of use, and value. Methods: Google Analytics and the ROI calculator’s results were obtained via the Queensland Government database and a usability questionnaire was administered to capture how users perceive the online calculator’s ease of use and usefulness. Results: Google Analytics recorded 18,633 sessions, 12,803 new users, average of 1.12 page views per session, average session duration of 3 min 30 s and a bounce rate of 86.24%. The ROI calculator yielded 548 observations with a 13.50% conversion rate (74 completions). Overall, users (n = 17) perceived the ROI calculator to be average to slightly positive in terms of usefulness and ease-of-use. Conclusions: The results indicate effective site promotion or interest around ROI in WHS, however, the calculator has poor ability to retain users to complete the tool. Future research is currently being conducted to gain a better understanding of the potential roadblocks to greater tool use and user design and experience of the tool.