The way employers view occupational safety and health is constantly evolving. In recent years, the concept of “Total Worker Health” (TWH) has started to become popular. This idea encompasses a holistic approach to safety, health and well-being rather than simple hazard abatement and avoidance. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, “Total Worker Health is defined as policies, programs, and practices that integrate protection from work-related safety and health hazards with promotion of injury and illness-prevention efforts to advance worker well-being. The Total Worker Health approach prioritizes a hazard-free work environment for all workers.” 

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It is an integrated concept that seeks to remove or lower risks in the work environment to improve overall well-being. TWH takes it a step further from just evaluating traditional safety and health hazards by factoring in the correlation of on-the-job and nonwork factors. It is a holistic model that also offers a pathway to elevate worker creativity, innovation and productivity. This is done through the creation of workplaces and job sites that are safe, health-enhancing and fulfilling. 

There are a variety of ways to advance worker safety, health and well-being. These include prevention and control of hazards and exposures, environment and community support, compensation and benefits, healthy leadership and policies, technology, work arrangements, organization, workforce demographics and implementation strategies. Organizations looking to create and implement successful workplace programs need to commit to investing in addressing hazardous working conditions and putting safeguards in place to protect workers. 

TWH prioritizes and acknowledges emerging work issues that present safety risks for workers. As a result, it is imperative to comprehend, abate and reduce these risks. 

There are numerous job-related risk factors that can exacerbate health problems that were previously labeled unrelated to work, including conditions such as obesity, heart disease, depression or mental health issues. TWH approaches have led to research indicating that some health problems may not be caused by work but are still affected by it. 

TWH in the industry

In the construction and electrical industries, TWH approaches are critical because of the soaring number of injuries and fatalities, mental health issues such as high suicide rates and overdoses, and chronic illnesses linked to working conditions. Construction workers are 75% more likely to commit suicide than those in other professions. TWH programs in the construction and electrical fields can address hazards such as falls, noise, airborne pathogens and hazardous materials. Additionally, they can offer support and resources for physical and mental health through on-site clinics, mental health services or wellness programs. 

On-site clinics can provide instant and direct access between workers and healthcare professionals. These providers can render care, identify risks and assist in the design of wellness programs. Employers offering mental health support can help workers navigate nonphysical ailments and stressors that impact their well-being on and off the job. Wellness programs that provide gym memberships or discounts, access to workout facilities or access to diet plans and nutritional professionals can be extremely valuable to workers. Such a program can help prevent or combat obesity and other chronic health conditions while improving overall mental health. 

During a recent discussion panel hosted by the National Institutes of Health, speakers explored several employer programs and the ways in which their value is measured. In that discussion, in relation to TWH, Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, said, “An expanded notion of return on investment may take into account not just monetary return, but a return in terms of improved health and safety, improved employee engagement and improved worker vitality. Although employers are striving to measure many of these effects, their efforts are relatively unnoticed, because they rarely appear in peer-reviewed journals, and alternative means to disseminate those best measurement practices may be necessary.” 

Focusing on TWH creates a variety of benefits to workers beyond the obvious safety advantages, including higher worker satisfaction, recruitment and retention numbers, community engagement, sustainable workforce and company reputation. 

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