Continuous Evaluation Research Articles

Maturity Assessment of Knowledge Management in the Transition of Organizational Transformation at PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

The telecommunications industry is rapidly and significantly changing due to rising customer demands and digitization. Telecom businesses are exploring new strategies to maintain a competitive advantage. As the biggest telecommunication provider, PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom) consistently innovates and collaborates to foster a fair digital environment. This drive motivates Telkom to accelerate its transformation and lead Indonesia’s digitalization efforts. During this transformation process, Telkom needs to assess its knowledge management (KM) maturity level. This study will explore Telkom’s KM maturity, highlight gaps, and recommend business solutions. Using a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data were collected from surveys based on the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) framework, while qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews. This holistic approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the key success factors of knowledge management. The research shows that the KM maturity level of Telkom is categorized as the 4th level or refinement level. This level indicates that Telkom’s KM progress aligns with the organization’s vision, mission, objectives, and priorities. However, there is still potential for continuous evaluation and improvement. Based on the data analysis, Telkom can implement several proposed business solutions, informed by 11 key success factors, to enhance the critical programs for organizational transformation.

Role of Core Life Skills in Mitigating Academic Stress Among Students with Learning Disabilities

The increasing prevalence of academic stress among students with learning disabilities necessitates effective interventions to enhance their well-being and academic performance. This study investigates the role of core life skills in mitigating academic stress among these students using a convergent parallel design of mixed-methods approach. Quantitative assessments revealed significant negative correlations between academic stress and key life skills such as emotional regulation, self-awareness, problem-solving, and effective communication. Qualitative insights from students, teachers, and parents highlighted themes of increased confidence, better stress management, enhanced social skills, positive behavioral changes, improved academic performance, greater independence, and emotional stability. The study underscores the importance of integrating life skills training into educational programs for students with learning disabilities. Recommendations include developing practical life skills activities, comprehensive teacher training, engaging families in the training process, and continuous evaluation and refinement of the program. These insights provide valuable guidance for educators and policymakers to reduce academic stress and improve overall educational experiences.

Integrating Virtual Reality Tools into Secondary School Classrooms to Address Gender Gap in STEM Education: An Action Plan

This action plan addresses the gender gap in STEM education by integrating Virtual Reality (VR) tools into secondary school classrooms. Despite various strategies to increase female participation in STEM fields, women remain underrepresented in these areas. The action plan proposes the use of immersive and interactive VR experiences to create more engaging learning environments that may attract a diverse student body, particularly female students. By leveraging the potential of VR to simulate science experiments and other STEM-related activities, this project aims to enhance students' interest and confidence in STEM subjects. A pilot will be conducted in a secondary school, with approximately 50-100 students and a dedicated STEM teaching team. Key strategies include virtual reality technology training for teachers, the design of inclusive STEM curricula, and continuous evaluation through both formative and summative assessments. The expected outcome is that female students will show increased willingness to pursue further study and careers in STEM fields, contributing to long-term reductions in the gender gap in STEM education.

Research on Network Security Protection Technology Based on P2AEDR in New Low-Voltage Control Scenarios for Power IoT and Other Blockchain-Based IoT Architectures.

In the construction of new power systems, the traditional network security protection mainly based on boundary protection belongs to static defense and still relies mainly on manual processing in vulnerability repair, threat response, etc. It is difficult to adapt to the security protection needs in large-scale distributed new energy, third-party aggregation platforms, and flexible interaction scenarios with power grid enterprise systems. It is necessary to conduct research on dynamic security protection models for IoT and other Blockchain-based IoT architectures. This article proposes a network security comprehensive protection model P2AEDR based on different interaction modes of cloud-edge interaction and cloud-cloud interaction. Through continuous trust evaluation, dynamic access control, and other technologies, it strengthens the internal defense capabilities of power grid business, shifting from static protection as the core mode to a real-time intelligent perception and automated response mode, and ultimately achieving the goal of dynamic defense, meeting the security protection needs of large-scale controlled terminal access and third-party aggregation platforms. Meanwhile, this article proposes a dynamic trust evaluation algorithm based on deep learning, which protects the secure access and use of various resources in a more refined learning approach based on the interaction information monitored in the system. Through experimental verification of the dynamic trust evaluation algorithm, it is shown that the proposed model has good trust evaluation performance. Therefore, this research is beneficial for trustworthy Power IoT and other Blockchain-based IoT architectures.

Licensing Procedures’ and its Influence on The Enforcement of Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Policies in Nairobi City County, Kenya

The enactment and subsequent implementation of the alcoholic drinks control policies and legislation in Kenya continues to elicit numerous questions as to the efficiency of the same in achieving the intended purposes. Many illicit brews and alcoholic drinks continue to find their way into the market, many people engaging in them yet they are not only a health risk, but dangerous for human consumption. The question that remains unanswered is whether the licensing procedures for the manufacturers, dealers and even merchants, play a role in the enforcement of these pieces of legislation or not. This research project aimed at how the licensing procedures determine the enforcement of polices within Nairobi City County. The study was guided by street-level bureaucracy theory and was conducted using descriptive research design targeting 112 enforcement officials. Primary data was gathered utilizing a structured questionnaire and interviews with 10 NACADA officials. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics as well as the regression model. A 62.5% response rate was achieved and the results indicated that the licensing procedures influence alcoholic drinks control policy enforcement by licensing procedures being adhered to when enforcing the County alcoholic drinks control policies, and there are regular checks on licenses for business functions that operate and sale alcoholic drinks. In line with the study's conclusion, the study recommended that there should be continuous monitoring and evaluation and capacity building for the traders and dealers of the drinks

Novel Approaches in HIV-1 Cure: Genetic Editing and Gene Repression Techniques. Topic Review

Introduction: The worldwide challenge presented by human immunodeficiency virus type 1, affecting 39 million individuals, endures despite the highly active antiretroviral therapy. Limitations of it, including insufficiently addressing viral reservoirs leading to prolonged drug toxicity, resistance concerns, and economic burdens, have fueled exploration into alternative approaches. Gene editing and gene repression techniques have emerged as potential solutions. Objective: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of recent research following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, focusing on genetic modification and gene repression in HIV-1-infected samples. Methods: A meticulous search identified 413 articles, of which 76 met strict criteria. Inclusion criteria involved studies on gene editing and HIV-1 expression (2019–2023), emphasizing CCR5 repression. Exclusions targeted weak evidence, lacking practical efficacy, and non-relevance to HIV-1 or genetic tools. Duplicates and non-open-access articles were also excluded. Results: The identified strategies show promise in their ability to mitigate the chronicity of the infection. However, challenges such as off-target effects, ethical considerations surrounding in vivo, ex vivo, and germline editing, and variable efficacy across studies are evident. The imperative for continued evaluation, refinement of techniques, and the development of effective administration methods is underscored. Conclusions: This topic review provides a nuanced exploration of recent advancements in gene editing and gene repression techniques for managing HIV-1. While the findings suggest promising avenues, the identified challenges necessitate ongoing research and innovation in order to harness the full potential of these strategies in the quest for an effective HIV-1 solution.

From outdated to outstanding: an institution’s journey in reforming the dental materials science curriculum and lessons learned

BackgroundThe Dental Materials Science (DMS) course within Malaysian undergraduate dental education has traditionally been taught in isolation, with a relatively stagnant delivery mode. Recent shifts in national dental competency standards have necessitated substantial reform in the DMS curriculum. This study aims to outline the journey of a local dental institute in developing and implementing a competency-based DMS curriculum.MethodsA faculty curriculum task force was established to oversee the curriculum reform process. The reform was guided by a “bottom-up” approach using the five-step curriculum reform model: (1). Curriculum mapping, (2). Comprehensive needs assessment, (3). Clear learning objectives and outcomes, (4). Curriculum development and implementation, and (5). Continuous evaluation and improvement.ResultsStep 1 revealed the need to reduce content repetition and improve alignment with the new competency standards. Step 2 identified the need to include advanced materials, integrate theoretical and clinical aspects, and enhance teaching methods. The new curriculum included 25 relevant topics. Step 3 established three course learning outcomes, while Step 4 integrated DMS content horizontally and vertically across the curriculum, introduced innovative teaching methods, and diversified assessment methods. Step 5 ensured ongoing curriculum monitoring, with both short-term and long-term evaluations planned.ConclusionThe curriculum reform process represents a significant advancement in dental materials science while addressing challenges and aligning the curriculum with national standards. Ongoing evaluation, adaptability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international engagement are essential for further improvements. This journey serves as a valuable reference for educators seeking to update their DMS curricula.

“We Need to Not Fear You”: Essential Factors Identified by Sworn Officers and Civilian Staff for Implementation and Expansion of a Co-Response Program

AbstractThe Fayetteville, AR, Police Department (FPD) initiated a co-response program in 2021, partnering with social workers to respond to individuals in crisis. Originally started with a University of Arkansas School of Social Work (UA) internship, the Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT) has grown over time. The program now includes two full-time co-response teams, two social work interns, and plans for further expansion. UA provides support for the program through continued internships, clinical supervision, and program evaluation. This article reports on one aspect of the UA program evaluation focusing on FPD employees’ perspectives on integrating social workers into their department and how those perspectives have changed over time as the program has expanded. Through semi-structured interviews and survey data collected in 2021 and 2023, this research highlights key factors contributing to the program’s successes and continued challenges. The results provide valuable insights, suggestions, and other factors to consider for similar police departments when making decisions whether to establish or expand co-response initiatives.

Utility of syndromic surveillance for the surveillance of healthcare-associated infections in resource-limited settings: a narrative review.

Globally, Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) pose a significant threat to patient safety and healthcare systems. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the lack of adequate resources to manage HCAIs, as well as the weak healthcare system, further exacerbate the burden of these infections. Traditional surveillance methods that rely on laboratory tests are cost-intensive and impractical in these settings, leading to ineffective monitoring and delayed management of HCAIs. The rates of HCAIs in resource-limited settings have not been well established for most LMICs, despite their negative consequences. This is partly due to costs associated with surveillance systems. Syndromic surveillance, a part of active surveillance, focuses on clinical observations and symptoms rather than laboratory confirmation for HCAI detection. Its cost-effectiveness and efficiency make it a beneficial approach for monitoring HCAIs in LMICs. It provides for early warning capabilities, enabling timely identification and response to potential HCAI outbreaks. Syndromic surveillance is highly sensitive and this helps balance the challenge of low sensitivity of laboratory-based surveillance systems. If syndromic surveillance is used hand-in-hand with laboratory-based surveillance systems, it will greatly contribute to establishing the true burden of HAIs in resource-limited settings. Additionally, its flexibility allows for adaptation to different healthcare settings and integration into existing health information systems, facilitating data-driven decision-making and resource allocation. Such a system would augment the event-based surveillance system that is based on alerts and rumours for early detection of events of outbreak potential. If well streamlined and targeted, to monitor priority HCAIs such as surgical site infections, hospital-acquired pneumonia, diarrheal illnesses, the cost and burden of the effects from these infections could be reduced. This approach would offer early detection capabilities and could be expanded into nationwide HCAI surveillance networks with standardised data collection, healthcare worker training, real-time reporting mechanisms, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous monitoring and evaluation. Syndromic surveillance offers a promising strategy for combating HCAIs in LMICs. It provides early warning capabilities, conserves resources, and enhances patient safety. Effective implementation depends on strategic interventions, stakeholder collaboration, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure sustained effectiveness in HCAI detection and response.

A new approach to continuous assessment: Moving from a stressful sum of grades to meaningful learning through self-reflection

This paper proposes a new approach of continuous assessment of a formative nature, aimed at achieving meaningful learning with lower stress levels. This approach minimizes the punitive nature of traditional summative continuous assessment and replaces typical graded activities with self-reflecting ones. To conduct the formative evaluation, a teaching model has been developed to guide the choice of feedback and feed-forward strategies to be implemented by the instructors, depending on the students’ levels of competence and confidence. To validate the effectiveness of this approach, a quasi-experimental design was employed, with the new continuous assessment method in the experimental group and the summative continuous assessment method in the control group. The experiment was conducted in a Mathematics course with undergraduate Economics and Business students. Data were collected through test scores and a perception questionnaire. The results indicate that the new evaluation method promotes meaningful learning and yields better academic results compared to the traditional continuous evaluation. Students expressed high satisfaction with the new approach, noting that it allows them to understand their formative status and address deficiencies before undertaking evaluable activities. They also believe this strategy helps reduce the stress associated with the summative evaluation itself.

The Impact of Extracurricular Activities on Developing Academic Standing, Student Satisfaction, Performance, and Bolstering the Academic Reputation of Higher Education Institutions from the Perspective of SDGs

Objective: This study investigates the impact of extracurricular activities (ECA) on developing the academic performance of student, improving their overall university experience, and elevating the academic reputation of institutions in the alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Method: This study employs a qualitative descriptive research methodology, concentrating on the analysis of ECA's role as a sustainable strategy for enhancing student experience and improving the academic reputation of universities. Results and Discussion: The results show that students who participate in ECA experience better academic performance and greater satisfaction with their university experience. Institutions that encourage these activities have a stronger academic reputation, which contributes to the overall development of students, higher rankings, and the attraction of high-achieving students. Research Implications: The research underscores the importance of supporting ECA to improve student performance and satisfaction. It recommends integrating ECA into academic programs and forming partnerships with external organizations to offer students more opportunities for skill development. Continuous evaluation of ECA programs is essential to meet changing student needs and maintain academic excellence. Originality/Value: This study highlights the unique role of ECA in enhancing academic performance, student experience, and university reputation. It provides new insights into how ECA contribute to student development by improving critical skills like time management and teamwork, while also strengthening institutional standing.

EVOLUSI BANK KONVENSIONAL DALAM PERSPEKTIF TEORI PUSH PULL MOORING

This study aims to identify differences in customer perceptions of push and pull factors in switching from conventional banking services to digital banking at Bank Mandiri Tanjung Perak Branch in Surabaya. The research methodology involves questionnaires for quantitative data collection and documentation to support the data. Analysis is conducted using the Push Pull Mooring (PPM) theory to evaluate the influence of Service Quality, Perceived Ease of Use, and Lifestyle on customers' Switching Intention. The findings indicate that for customers with less than 5 years of transaction experience, service quality and ease of use of digital services influence their intention to switch. For customers with more than 5 years of experience, service quality and ease of use have different impacts on switching intention. The t-test results show that switching intention is not significantly influenced by the duration of use (P value 0.93), but lifestyle significantly affects preference for digital services (P value 0.003). Perceived ease of use does not show a significant difference between the two groups (P value 0.716), while service quality shows a significant difference (P value 0.014). The application of these research findings to other Mandiri branches needs to consider demographics, strategy adaptation, and continuous evaluation. Bank Mandiri can optimize its services by focusing on customer retention, lifestyle, ease of user experience, and improving service quality. Understanding the interaction effects between these variables helps Bank Mandiri adapt holistic and customer-oriented strategies. Thus, Bank Mandiri can enhance its competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic market.

Varoglutamstat: Inhibiting Glutaminyl Cyclase as a Novel Target of Therapy in Early Alzheimer's Disease.

Varoglutamstat is a first-in-class, small molecule being investigated as a treatment for early Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is an inhibitor of glutaminyl cyclase (QC), the enzyme that post-translationally modifies amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides into a toxic form of pyroglutamate Aβ (pGlu-Aβ) and iso-QC which post-translationally modifies cytokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL2) into neuroinflammatory pGlu-CCL2. Early phase clinical trials identified dose margins for safety and tolerability of varoglutamstat and biomarker data supporting its potential for clinical efficacy in early AD. Present the scientific rationale of varoglutamstat in the treatment of early AD and the methodology of the VIVA-MIND (NCT03919162) trial, which uses a seamless phase 2A-2B design. Our review also includes other pharmacologic approaches to pGlu-Aβ. Phase 2A of the VIVA-MIND trial will determine the highest dose of varoglutamstat that is safe and well tolerated with sufficient plasma exposure and a calculated target occupancy. Continuous safety evaluation using a pre-defined safety stopping boundary will help determine the highest tolerated dose that will carry forward into phase 2B. An interim futility analysis of cognitive function and electroencephalogram changes will be conducted to inform the decision of whether to proceed with phase 2B. Phase 2B will assess the efficacy and longer-term safety of the optimal selected phase 2A dose through 72 weeks of treatment. Varoglutamstat provides a unique dual mechanism of action addressing multiple pathogenic contributors to the disease cascade. VIVA-MIND provides a novel and efficient trial design to establish its optimal dosing, safety, tolerability, and efficacy in early AD.

Early robotic gait training after stroke (ERA Stroke): study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundWalking impairment after stroke is associated with substantial limitations in functional independence, quality of life, and long-term survival. People in the subacute phase after stroke who are unable to walk are most likely to benefit the greatest from use of overground robotic gait training (RGT). This study will provide preliminary evidence regarding the clinical use and efficacy of RGT during the subacute phase of stroke recovery as well as observational findings associated with the safety, tolerability, feasibility, and cost of delivering RGT during inpatient stroke rehabilitation.MethodsThis prospectively registered randomized controlled trial will enroll 54 patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation within six months of stroke. Admitted patients will be screened at admission to inpatient rehabilitation for eligibility. Consented patients will be randomized based on stroke severity to receive either RGT or usual care for 90 minutes per week of gait training intervention during inpatient rehabilitation length of stay. Patients will complete assessments on walking and health outcomes at admission and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and at 1- and 3-month follow-up. Intent-to-treat and per protocol analysis will be performed to evaluate safety [rate of adverse events, visual analog scale, and treatment completion rate], walking function [gait speed via 10-Meter Walk Test, Functional Ambulation Category, gait endurance via 6-Minute Walk Test] and health outcomes [Modified Rankin Scale, Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement, Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation Tool, 5 Times Sit-to-Stand Test, Berg Balance Scale, and Stroke Impact Scale–16], and cost-analysis.DiscussionThis study will provide foundational evidence regarding the clinical use and efficacy of a RGT program during the subacute phase of stroke recovery with specific findings associated with the safety, tolerability, feasibility, and cost-analysis of delivering RGT during inpatient stroke rehabilitation.Trial registrationNCT06430632.

Development of an Evaluation Instrument on Artificial Intelligence Search Tools for Evidence Synthesis

What Was the Question? There are conflicting calls for evidence synthesis producers to adopt or avoid recent Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. Our question was: How do we evaluate rapidly evolving AI tools to enhance the production of evidence syntheses and maintain quality standards? What Did We Do? To advance information retrieval science for producing evidence syntheses at Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC), the Research Information Services team developed a process to evaluate promising AI search tools. We inventoried 51 tools in the fall of 2023, established selection criteria, assessed specific attributes, and built a standalone instrument to support continuous monitoring and evaluation of new tools. What Did We Find? Rapid development of AI search tools requires a flexible evaluation instrument to inform adoption decisions and enable comparison between tools. We identified mandatory and desirable characteristics for suitable AI tools to assist with information retrieval tasks conducted by CDA-AMC. This work enabled the development of a flexible instrument to evaluate novel AI search tools for evidence synthesis. What Does This Mean? CDA-AMC operationalized a replicable process to monitor and evaluate AI search tools. Our approach to evaluating AI technologies will advance information retrieval methods by CDA-AMC, and our evaluation instrument will assist any evidence synthesis producer interested in adopting AI search tools.

Development and Evaluation of an Out-of-Control Scale Measuring Global Contextual Stressors Across 20 Countries and Regions

Abstract: Stressful contexts like the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated remarkable socio-economic changes, exacerbating universal uncertainty and a pervasive loss of control. Improving mental health outcomes on the operational definition and measurement of related concepts. This study analyzed cross-sectional data from 20 countries and regions, collected between January 25 and November 10, 2021. Psychometric evaluation occurred in two stages: initially, item review and factor analysis with a 2,749 adult sample from Mainland of China and Hong Kong SAR; subsequently, confirmation of factor structure, measurement invariance testing, and advanced analyses with a 4,000 adult sample from 20 countries and regions. A six-item, single-factor structure was verified, confirming satisfactory factor loading, fit indices and consistency. Measurement invariance across geographies and groupings was also confirmed. Three Out-of-Control profiles representing low, medium, and high stress levels, were identified, with age, depression/anxiety symptoms, education, socio-economic status, and exposure to COVID-19-affected acquaintances significantly influencing affiliation. The item “I think I cannot control things that I previously could” was the most critical node. This newly validated scale represents a substantial advancement in measuring stress within the context of global health crises, thus enhancing comprehension of psychological responses. Continual evaluation of the scale’s effectiveness and accuracy is crucial.

Digital technology for the national sport development: Designing a database model to analyse elite sports data

Relational database models offer a pathway for the storage, standardization, and analysis of factors influencing national sports development. While existing research delves into the factors linked with sporting success, there remains an unexplored avenue for the design of databases that seamlessly integrate quantitative analyses of these factors. This study aims to design a relational database to store and analyse quantitative sport development data by employing information technology tools. The database design was carried out in three phases: (i) exploratory study for context analysis, identification, and delimitation of the data scope; (ii) data extraction from primary sources and cataloguing; (iii) database design to allow an integrated analysis of different dimensions and production of quantitative indicators. An entity-relationship diagram and an entity-relationship model were built to organize and store information relating to sports, organizations, people, investments, venues, facilities, materials, events, and sports results, enabling the sharing of data across tables and avoiding redundancies. This strategy demonstrated potential for future knowledge advancement by including the establishment of perpetual data updates through coding and web scraping. This, in turn, empowers the continuous evaluation and vigilance of organizational performance metrics and sports development policies, aligning seamlessly with the journal’s focus on cutting-edge methodologies in the realm of digital technology.

An Assessment Model of the Algarve as a Sustainable Tourism Destination: A Conceptual Framework

ABSTRACT Sustainable tourism assessment models emphasize the need for holistic, integrated evaluations of tourism destinations, particularly in mature and mass tourism areas. While best practices can be shared, each destination requires a tailored approach, considering its unique features like infrastructure and natural assets. Research shows that sustainable tourism should involve continuous evaluation rather than a one-time assessment. This article develops a model for the ongoing review of sustainable tourism in the Algarve, a famous sun, sea, and sand destination in Portugal. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, the model was designed by analyzing existing frameworks and their relevant dimensions. A questionnaire was then administered to local stakeholders to validate and refine the selected indicators, which were ultimately used to create a framework for monitoring sustainable tourism in the region.

Clinically Guided Adaptive Machine Learning Update Strategies for Predicting Severe COVID-19 Outcomes

Background: Machine learning algorithms are essential for predicting severe outcomes during public health crises like COVID-19. However, the dynamic nature of diseases requires continual evaluation and updating of these algorithms. This study aims to compare three update strategies for predicting severe COVID-19 outcomes post-diagnosis: 'naive' (a single initial model), 'frequent' (periodic retraining), and 'context-driven' (retraining informed by clinical insights). The goal is to determine the most effective timing and approach for adapting algorithms to evolving disease dynamics and emerging data. Methods: A dataset of 1.11 million COVID-19 patients from diverse U.S. regions was used to develop and validate an XGBoost algorithm for predicting severe outcomes upon diagnosis. Data included patient demographics, vital signs, comorbidities, and immunity-related factors (prior infection and vaccination status) from January 2007 to November 2021. The study analyzed the performance of the three update strategies from March 2020 to November 2021. Results: Predictive features changed over the pandemic, with comorbidities and vitals being significant initially, and geography, demographics, and immunity-related variables gaining importance later. The 'naive' strategy had an average AUC of 0.77, the 'frequent' strategy-maintained stability with an average AUC of 0.81, and the 'context-driven' strategy averaged an AUC of 0.80, outperforming the 'naive' strategy and aligning closely with the 'frequent' strategy. Conclusion: A context-driven approach, guided by clinical insights, can enhance predictive performance and offer cost-effective solutions for dynamic public health challenges. These findings have significant implications for efficiently managing healthcare resources during evolving disease outbreaks.

Addressing Worker Safety and Health Through the Lens of Strategic Enforcement-Part 2.

Ensuring the safety and health of workers in this country, who are employed at millions of workplaces presenting a dizzying array of hazards, is beyond daunting. And yet, it is exceptionally important, because the lives and well-being of countless workers, and their families, hang in the balance. Every day, workers are maimed or die of their workplace injuries or occupational illnesses. These outcomes are unacceptable. Agencies must use all the means at their disposal to keep workers safe and healthy in their workplaces. This paper addresses this challenge through the lens of strategic enforcement, with the goal of maximizing enforcement effectiveness to save lives and limbs.First, we examine how, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, federal and state enforcement schemes are designed to interact. Next, we dive into the impressive array of strategic enforcement tools that are available to federal, state, and local enforcers, and we observe that many of them are either unrecognized or underutilized. We emphasize that these are all significant, because, given our limited enforcement resources, we need to use every tool we can muster-from strategic targeting, to enterprise-wide enforcement, to heightening deterrence through more robust penalty assessments and publicity, to valuing and making the most of partnerships and coenforcement efforts with a wide range of organizations and agencies. And we need to engage in a process of continual evaluation and improvement of our tools and assets, always striving to maximize our enforcement leverage in aid of worker safety and health. Finally, we examine an impressive list of initiatives state and local governments have taken, beyond what the OSH Act mandates, in their efforts to go the extra mile for the safety of the workers in their states and cities. These examples are intended to inspire federal, state and local agencies to do the same, or, hopefully, even better. The stakes are high. Workers deserve to work in safe and healthy environments. This paper is intended to provide practical ways in which state and local agencies can better-and potentially far better-satisfy that obligation.