Ss42-02 Survey to Assess the Feasibility of Establishing a Global Network for Evidence Synthesis in Occupational Safety and Health

Abstract Introduction Evidence synthesis in the field of occupational safety and health (OSH) has been continuously growing over the last two decades. With over 100 systematic reviews now published, the Cochrane Work Review group (https://work.cochrane.org/) has played an important role in this development and the Cochrane Thematic Group ‘Work and Health and Social Security’ - (https://community.cochrane.org/news/major-milestones-and-new-beginnings-cochrane-announces-first-round-new-thematic-groups) - was established recently to combine evidence from both the OSH and insurance medicine fields. Worldwide, many organisations produce and synthesise evidence in OSH that can complement and support each other. We believe that a global network including Cochrane and others can collaborate on methods development and in the production, synthesis, use and dissemination of different types of evidence even more effectively. The aim was to determine if establishing a global network for evidence synthesis in OSH was feasible. Materials and Methods We conducted a survey of international and national institutions between November 2022 and January 2023 using LimeSurvey. Participants included representatives of affiliate and sustaining members of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH), national institutes for OSH, academia and other international organisations. Results From 151 invitations, we received responses from 57 representatives of 54 organisations. Representatives reported that their organisation will contribute financially on an annual basis (n=1) or provide in kind support (n=10), and will probably be able to provide financial or in-kind support (n=25). Conclusions The feasibility criteria were met and a global network is being established.