A review of smartphone applications designed to improve occupational health, safety, and well-being at workplaces

BACKGROUND: As smartphones become more widespread, software applications for occupational health, safety and well-being (OHS&W) at work are increasing. There is sparse knowledge about the available apps and the research evidence of their effects. This study aims to identify available smartphone applications designed to improve OHS&W at workplaces, and examine to what extent the apps are scientifically validated. METHODS: We searched the Danish App Store and Google Play for free OHS&W apps. Apps were included if they targeted OHS&W and were designed for workplace use. After categorizing the apps, we searched bibliographic databases to identify scientific studies on the ‘intervention apps’. RESULTS: Altogether, 57 apps were included in the study; 19 apps were categorized as digital sources of information, 37 apps contained an intervention designed for workplace changes, and one app had too sparse information to be classified. Based on the publicly available information about the 37 intervention apps, only 13 had references to research. The bibliographic database search returned 531 publications, resulting in four relevant studies referring to four apps aimed at ergonomic measures, noise exposure, and well-being, which showed either limited effect or methodological limitations. CONCLUSION: There is no conceptual clarity about what can be categorized as an OHS&W app. Although some of the apps were developed based on scientific research, there is a need to evaluate the apps’ effects in promoting OHS&W. The sparse documentation of evidence should be kept in mind when applying apps to improve OHS&W. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13821-6

Using a Smartphone App to Assess and Support Transfer of Training of Leadership Skills – A Feasibility Study

Studies have shown that leadership behaviors can have a large impact on workplace productivity and health, and considerable time and money is spent on leadership training. The transfer of skills learned in training to daily practice at the workplace is an important outcome. This study investigated the use of a smartphone app and ecological momentary assessment to improve and measure transfer of training. The app was used in conjunction with a leadership training program and combined reminders, checklists, and single-item work environment questions. Managers (N = 17) used the app over an 11-week time period, collecting data multiple times each week for an intensive longitudinal within-participants design with no control group. Results indicate that the number of self-reported skills increased during the training period and that the app was appreciated as a skills training support