Framework for the Review of Research Programs of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - Agriculture Forestry and Fishing Research at NIOSH - page 222

In September 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) contracted with the National Academies to conduct a review of NIOSH
research programs. The goal of this multiphase effort is to assist NIOSH in increas-
ing the impact of its research efforts in reducing workplace illnesses and injuries
and improving occupational safety and health. The National Academies agreed to
conduct this review and assigned the task to the Division on Earth and Life Studies
and the Institute of Medicine.
The National Academies appointed a committee of 14 members, including
persons with expertise in occupational medicine and health, industrial health and
safety, industrial hygiene, epidemiology, civil and mining engineering, sociology,
program evaluation, communication, and toxicology; representatives of industry
and of the workforce; and a scientist experienced in international occupational-
health issues. The Committee on the Review of NIOSH Research Programs, re-
ferred to as the Framework Committee (FC), held meetings during 2005 on May
5-6 and July 7-8 in Washington, DC, and on August 15-16 in Woods Hole and
Falmouth, MA.
This document is not a report of the National Academies; rather, it presents
the evaluation framework developed by the FC to serve as a guideline and structure
for NIOSH program reviews by Evaluation Committees (ECs) to be appointed
by various divisions and boards of the National Academies. The ECs will use this
framework in reviewing as many as 15 NIOSH research programs during a 5-year
period. This is a working document. It is shared with NIOSH and the public. The
framework and criteria may be modified by the FC on the basis of responses it
receives from the ECs and other sources. It is incumbent upon the ECs to consult
with the FC if portions of the evaluation framework presented here are inappropri-
ate for the specific program under review.

I. OVERVIEW OF CHARGE

At the first meeting of the FC, Lewis Wade, NIOSH senior science advisor,
emphasized that the reviews should focus on evaluating NIOSH's research pro-
grams impact and relevance to health and safety in the workplace. In developing
a framework, the FC was asked to address the following:

1. Evaluation committee assessment of progress in reducing workplace

illnesses and injuries facilitated by occupational safety and health
research through (a) an analysis of relevant data about workplace
illnesses and injuries for the program activity, and (b) an evaluation
of the effect that NIOSH research has had in reducing illnesses and
injuries. The evaluation committees will rate the performance of each