The Compelling Display of H&S Information to Achieve Desired Decision Making

During a previous GHIHC, Bob had an opportunity to present a summary version of this workshop. Bob has been requested to return to the GHIHC meeting to conduct a workshop on presentation of data.

The collection of data describing industrial hygiene program activities and outcomes has become a necessity to justify the continued allocation of necessary resources. Unfortunately, IH programs often do not display this information in manners that are compelling and lead to desired decision making. This shortcoming is likely due to an absence of formal training in the science and art of displaying safety data compellingly. In this session, participants will be provided with a simple pre-course assignment upon registration. A simple dataset will be provided for participants to manipulate and present in a way they feel compellingly communicates the story to be communicated. Each participant will be asked to bring a printed copy of their representation to the session and the entire group will discuss the pros and cons of each. The session will then turn to a discussion of basic tenants of effective data displays, drawing from the works of recognized experts in the field of information visualization. This information will be followed by a series of EH&S data display before and after "make overs" to demonstrate the effectiveness of the techniques described.

Participants are also encouraged to bring examples of their EH&S data displays so that comments and suggestions can be provided regarding possible improvements.

Bob Emery, UTSPH
robert.j.emery @ uth.tmc.edu