NIOSH publishes workbook on Total Worker Health

Washington – NIOSH has released a workbook it calls “a practical starting point for employers, workers, labor representatives, and other professionals interested in implementing workplace safety and health programs aligned with the Total Worker Health approach.”

The Total Worker Health concept emphasizes a work environment that is free of hazards and uses “a modern prevention approach” that acknowledges that occupational factors can affect the well-being of employees, their families and their communities.

The new workbook, Fundamentals of Total Worker Health Approaches: Essential Elements for Advancing Worker Safety, Health, and Well-being, outlines five “defining elements” of Total Worker Health:

• Show leadership commitment to worker safety and health at all of the organization’s levels.
• Plan work to mitigate or eliminate hazards and advance worker well-being.
• Promote and encourage worker engagement during program design and implementation.
• Keep worker information confidential and private.
• Organize systems to improve worker well-being.

Guidance, examples and links to other resources are included for each element.

NIOSH states that the workbook can help employers determine if their current efforts reflect a Total Worker Health approach, identify steps for improvement and track their progress.