Researcher access to confidential records adds to the vulnerability of workers who participate in workplace studies. inappropriate release of identifiable private information could adversely affect a worker's retention of a job, insurance or other employment related benefits. to avoid or minimize these risks, the study design must include adequate safeguards to protect the confidentiality of the information collected. a plan for the proper management of study data and records should clearly define:
- who will have access to the data.
- if the study results, if any, will be included in the employee's personnel records
- how the data will be collected and secured
- if personal identifiers will be retained and used in the data analysis.
- all of the above