Affiliations: Department of Engineering and Sustainable Development,
Quality Technology and Management, Mid Sweden University, Östersund,
Sweden | Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University,
Östersund, Sweden | Faculty of Health Science, Nord-Trøndelag
University College, Levanger, Norway | Swedish National Institute of Public Health,
Östersund, Sweden
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Johan Larsson, Department of
Engineering and Sustainable Development, Human Work Science, Mid Sweden
University, Campus Östersund, SE-831 25 Östersund, Sweden. Tel.: +46
703900390; E-mail: johan.larsson@miun.se; johan.larsson@qfromz.com
Abstract: Introduction: Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts have not been
widely used to monitor workplace health and work environments. This research
and effort to develop a more accurate and easy to use management control system
for employee health is important from a humanistic, societal and economic
standpoint, as well as complying with laws that regulate work environments. Objective: The purpose of the study is to design and discuss control
charts as an early warning system for workplace health outcomes to promote
workplace health management. Another purpose is to discuss relevant factors in
the concept of the Out-of-Control Action Plan (OCAP) as a response when a chart
warns that the workplace process may be malfunctioning. Participants: Two Swedish organizations were selected as case study organizations: a department
at a university and an elderly care operation in a municipality. Methods: This study was explorative and should be seen as a starting point in learning
how to use control charts for workplace health management. Self-assessed
general health and new sick-cases per employee were selected as indicators for
the control charts. Results: An integrated early warning system with
Cumulative Sums- and Shewhart-charts are presented to show a possible method as
to how an early warning system can be structured through the use of statistical
control charts. Conclusions: The conclusion of this study is that control
charts, along with well-designed implementation, make up a powerful and useable
managerial early-warning system which promotes workplace health and helps to
prevent sickness absence.
Keywords: Statistical Process Control, Shewhart chart, workplace health management, sickness absence, general health
