The Janitor Workload Study is a new project that aims to understand why janitors have high rates of injury. Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) will be conducting the study. SHARP is an occupational research group at Labor and Industries.
We are interested in preventing work-related injuries among janitors in Washington, and we would like to hear from you about your experiences and working conditions. We intend to hold focus groups in the greater Seattle/Tacoma areas, as well as Spokane and elsewhere. We want to bring janitors together to ask questions and listen to your experiences. The information you share can help us identify problems and create tools to make your work safer & healthier.
Please fill out the survey below if would like to participate. Make sure to provide your contact information so we can contact you directly and give you further details.
What is a focus group? – A focus group is a meeting, where participants are gathered together to discuss issues with a facilitator or leader(s) who guides the conversation with questions. As people share their stories, more topics/questions may come up and they may lead to other discussions. Usually, multiple researchers are present to help with note taking and to keep the meeting running smoothly.
Are there any risk or benefits to participating in a focus group? – Your information will remain confidential to protect your identity. We understand that you might feel uncomfortable talking in a group. However, participants often feel a sense of community while sharing their stories with other people who understand their experiences. We will also serve llight refreshments and each participant will receive a $25 gift card for their time.
What will you do with my information? – We will use the survey information you provide to call you and give you more details about the focus groups. Giving us your information does not guarantee you will be selected to participate, but we will try to speak with everyone who is interested. We will not share your contact information with anyone. Once the focus groups are completed, we will delete all identifying information, like your name and phone number.
What happens after I fill out the survey with my information? – You may be contacted shortly after you submit the survey so we can provide further information that will help you decide whether you would like to participate. If you have more questions before or after completing the survey, please call us at 1-888-667-4277.
How much time will this take? –You will meet one time with a focus group of 8-10 people at a date, time, and location that works best for you. The session will take about 60 to 90 minutes of your time.
If you have questions or concerns, please call SHARP @ 1-888-667-4277 and press option 2 or Email janitorstudy@Lni.wa.gov