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Introduction: MSD and resulting work disability continue to be a challenge for many workplaces to address. The recent increased attention on mental health in workplaces also highlights gaps in effective workplace interventions. Workplace interventions that are not well implemented may not have the desired impacts. Implementation science research has grown considerably in the past two decades and has examined implementation processes and factors associated with program sustainability. While numerous implementation models or frameworks exist, the potentially unique challenges in occupational health and safety (OHS) program implementation have typically not been studied. The objective of this presentation is to describe some implementation studies focusing on OHS.

Methods: An overview of implementation science theories models and frameworks will be described. Then brief summaries of five implementation studies of workplace programs will be presented highlighting key methodological aspects and results. The studies include qualitative and quantitative approaches. Two studies focus on workplace MSD prevention practices and programs; three additional studies examine the implementation of work disability programs.

Results: Overall findings revealed workplace perspectives on facilitators and barriers to implementation of MSD and work disability programs. Studies on MSD practices and programs showed key challenges related to a lack of knowledge about MSD, who is responsible for MSD and supervisor support. A process evaluation of the implementation of a participatory ergonomics program highlighted implementation barriers and facilitators related to organizational and sector context, resources, and participation. Studies exploring work disability practices and programs at the workplace revealed that program development was often underway, but there were challenges related to stigma, communication and resources. Two implementation studies examining work disability programs reveal themes related to buy-in, collaboration, awareness, and resources, as well as the importance of planning and need for flexibility.

Discussion: Workplace interventions to prevent MSD and work disability may not have the desired impact if not well implemented (Fixsen, 2005; Rabin 2022; Guerin 2022). Those who conduct evidence syntheses of workplace interventions should consider program implementation details to better understand the evidence of effectiveness. Researchers who evaluate interventions should consider the program implementation process as part of the evaluation.