How can qualitative studies help explain the role of context and process of interventions on occupational safety and health and on mental health at work?

In the field of occupational health and safety (OHS) intervention research, as for mental health at work, there is a growing concern over the effectiveness of interventions (e.g. Goldenhar and Schulte, 1994; Zwerling et al., 1997). This highlights the scientific, social and public policy issues around health and safety in the workplace (see Goldenhar et al., 2001). In OHS and ergonomics, this preoccupation led to literature reviews (e.g. Cohen and Colligan, 1998; Cole et al., 2005; Denis et al., 2005; Denis et al., 2008; Karsh, Moro, and Smith, 2001; Goldenhar and Schulte, 1994; Guastello, 1993; Zwerling et al., 1997). Methodological recommendations regarding evaluation designs were also made (e.g. Goldenhar et al., 2001; Heacock, Koehoorn, and Tan, 1997; Robson et al., 2001; Shannon, Robson, and Guastello, 1999).