Accident Prevention Manual for Business & Industry: Engineering & Technology 13th edition National Safety Council Compiled by Dr. S.D. Allen Iske, Associate Professor University of Central Missouri

CHAPTER 27 THE COMPUTER AS A SAFETY INFORMATION TOOL

Computers and Networks Important tools for safety professionals Facilitate calculations Data storage and retrieval Communication devices Educational tools Internet resource for information and search engines for data review or research

Computer Use Users require practice and mastery of applicable skills. Tools become obsolete with changes to platforms, support and programs. Options used for collecting, managing, and distributing data require significant time. New systems require evaluation and assessment. New tools and friendlier systems are being developed.

Electronic Information Reference tool: access to information resources Networking tool: use of internet and connections for communication with colleagues Marketing and educational tool: distribute information effectively and efficiently to clients. Information management tool: serves as collecting and sharing information to audiences

Internet as a Reference Tool Changing regulations New technologies Collegial exchanges Communication Search information tool Research tool

Internet as a Reference Tool (Cont.) Finding information on the Internet Web directories Sites listed for specific subjects Guide for resources as a starting point Search engines Various engines or browsers for various topics Refine your search—phrasing question or typical journals or publications Subject-specific indexes—proper set of keywords for topic area Search strategy—plan and method to research topic

Internet as a Reference Tool (Cont.) Search strategy Refine the question to specific topic of interest. Define the Information sought on topic. formal databases professional interpretations informal information Select keywords for search information. Decide on website or search engine for search. Exchange with a technical group on topic. Confirm the information retrieved from the Internet independently.

Internet as a Networking Tool General considerations Popular tool Minimize learning curve from communications with similar interested parties Low cost method for associations with technical communities Effort to develop—time, patience, and network connections Styles of participation Daily Selective Lurking

Internet as a Networking Tool (Cont.) Find discussion groups Safety Lists Asking safety questions Other safety-related topics with lists

Internet as a Marketing Tool Open to the general public and not exclusive to safety professional or technical groups Online training—educational tool Developing a reference library—procedures, technical information, specific topic related information and strategy documents (policies and plans) Maintaining awareness—updated routinely with changes, modifications, and new information

Internet as a Program Management Tool Collecting data—technical data with accurate and meaningful data available in a timely manner information Management system development—overall tool to organize, manage, and evaluate a safety program Connecting other management information systems— other applicable database data such as maintenance, human resources, financial information, etc.

Summary Enhanced electronic information for safety professionals to research, network, and outreach on technical content and materials. Power of systems require precise understanding of the safety program’s role and careful planning and strategy for computer hardware and software systems. Power of systems provide a significant increase in effectiveness of safety professionals to serve clients.