Document Type : Letter to Editor
Author
Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Public Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
Abstract
Occupational health and safety (OHS) research has been dominated by quantitative approaches, often neglecting contextual, cultural, and organizational factors that influence safety behavior and intervention effectiveness. This letter to the editor highlights the need to integrate qualitative and mixed methods research to address these gaps and strengthen evidence-informed occupational health and safety management. Qualitative methods provide in-depth understanding of workers’ experiences, perceptions, and workplace contexts, while quantitative methods allow measurement and generalization of risk factors and outcomes. Mixed methods research combines these strengths, enabling comprehensive analysis of both “what” and “why” behind safety challenges. We propose an iterative mixed-methods framework beginning with qualitative exploration to identify barriers and facilitators, followed by quantitative assessment of their prevalence, and concluding with qualitative inquiry to interpret findings and refine interventions. This approach can improve safety culture, optimize training programs, and enhance intervention effectiveness. In addition, engaging students and early-career professionals as safety ambassadors can strengthen education and community awareness. Despite challenges such as limited resources, methodological complexity, and institutional resistance, advances in interdisciplinary collaboration and policy attention provide opportunities for broader adoption. Overall, integrating qualitative and mixed methods offers a pathway toward more sustainable, context-sensitive, and impactful OHS research and practice globally today.
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