Abstract

In the US, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal organisation responsible for conducting research for the prevention of work related injuries. To evaluate the performance of its traumatic injury research program and improve it for the future, NIOSH commissioned the National Academies of Science to convene an expert panel to review the efforts and accomplishments of this research program over the last decade. The panel was charged with rating the program in terms of its relevance and impact and providing recommendations for program improvement and future direction. The program provided the expert panel with an evidence package summarising the research activities and outcomes of the research program and a draft strategic plan for the future. The panel review and feedback were then used to implement program improvements and enhance the occupational injury research strategy. This presentation provides a brief summary of the progress and impact of the NIOSH occupational injury research program from 1996 to 2005. The results of the National Academies review of this program are also discussed and the traumatic injury research agenda for the future is presented.