The SIFA community as a virtual learning space in OSH

Abstract

In the years 2004 to 2012, a long-term study on the effectiveness of safety experts was commissioned by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). An interdisciplinary team of scientists investigated in these years the activities and the effectiveness of services for professionals responsible for occupational safety and health (OSH). In a case study-like manner it is discussed how the technology that was originally developed as an acquisitions and incentive instrument for the various phases of the safety experts' long-term study, now has become the safety experts’ online community. Both as a stand-alone instrument of prevention as well as a place of learning for professionals for occupational safety, it seems to be a highly appropriate technology. Accompanying the mentoring ensures regular technology updates to meet the increasingly broad use by a growing number of OSH specialists.