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NIOSH Programs > Small Business Assistance and Outreach > Strategic Goals
Small Business Assistance and OutreachInputs: NIOSH Strategic GoalsThe NIOSH Small Business Assistance and Outreach Cross-sector has developed preliminary strategic goals that are noted below. NIOSH welcomes both internal and external input into the goal development process. NIOSH previously used priority topic areas (e.g., traumatic injury, hearing loss) to guide research efforts. Goals take this approach a step further by identifying specific outcomes that we want to target, performance measures for evaluating progress in meeting the outcome goals, and intermediate goals to describe the necessary steps that need to be performed to accomplish the goal. Setting goals is challenging because:
NIOSH Program Portfolio ApproachNIOSH has been organizing research, guidance, information, and service efforts into specific programs that can be readily communicated and strategically governed and evaluated. Eight NORA Sector Programs represent industrial sectors, and twenty-four Cross-sector Programs organized around adverse health outcomes, statutory programs and global efforts. The NORA Sector Programs intersect with Cross-Sector Programs in a matrix-like fashion. For example, an Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Program goal of reducing farm-related deaths and injuries due to tractor rollovers and trucks would likely be a shared goal with the Transportation Program and if appropriate would be adopted by both programs. This approach provides an added advantage and will allow multiple Programs to work towards accomplishment of intersecting goals. Each of the 32 programs in the NIOSH Program Portfolio has a Manager and Coordinator. Each of the 8 NIOSH Sector Programs facilitates the work of a NORA Sector Council to engage external stakeholders in the process of developing sector goals for the nation and methods to measure the short-term, intermediate and long-term outcomes arising from those goals. The NORA goals for the nation will be considered when choosing NIOSH sector program goals. Cross Sector programs have internal Steering Committees that develop program goals and monitor outcome measures. These planning efforts will position NIOSH to align with the most current governmental approaches for evaluating program effectiveness, i.e., the Program Assessment Rating Tool (or PART). PART is a mechanism to hold governmental agencies accountable for accomplishing results. As part of our comprehensive approach to performance measurement, NIOSH has engaged the National Academies to independently evaluate our sector and cross-programs for relevance and impact. Draft Small Business Assistance and Outreach Cross-Sector GoalsStrategic Goal 1Over the next 10 years, contribute to a reduction in fatalities and injuries in one or more targeted sectors within which a significant portion of firms engaged in that sector are small businesses. Prioritize efforts to first address those small business industries in sectors suffering the greatest number of occupational injuries and illnesses. Overall Performance Measure: Declining injury/fatality rates within small businesses in targeted sector(s). Intermediate Goal 1.1: Conduct a review of available literature and surveillance data to update and reassess the degree to which small businesses comprise business entities in each of the eight sectors. Identify trends in occupational injury, illness, and fatality associated with small businesses.
Intermediate Goal 1.2: Conduct an analysis of existing NIOSH guidance documents, materials, media, and other publications in order to prioritize efforts to modify them or translate findings into products more useful to small business owners.
Strategic Goal 2Interact with each of the eight NIOSH sector research councils to identify and address high-risk issues affecting small businesses within each sector and coordinate with appropriate external stakeholders to address those issues in a manner appropriate to small business needs. Intermediate Goal 2.1: Establish a small business liaison in each sector council. Intermediate Goal 2.2: Establish partnerships with businesses, manufacturers, suppliers, trade groups, and other appropriate entities to plan and implement intervention programs targeting small businesses. Program-Related References and WebsitesNIOSH is interested in your opinions about the relevance and value of strategic goals for the Small Business Assistance and Outreach program. We encourage you to consider partnering with us on issues of interest to you and your organization. We welcome your input regarding the needs and priorities of small business entities with regard to improvements in occupational safety and health. Comments and suggestions may be sent by mail or email to: Dr. Carol Stephenson The development of goals for the NIOSH Small Business Assistance and Outreach Cross-sector area will be closely linked to the work of the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Sector Councils. |
NIOSH Program:Small Business Assistance and Outreach |
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