If you’re looking to jump start an occupational safety and health program, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has some help for you. The institute, and its Total Worker Health initiative, have released a workbook with valuable information and recommendations. Keep reading for details.
The publication is Fundamentals of Total Worker Health Approaches: Essential Elements for Advancing Worker Safety, Health, and Well-being. NIOSH describes it as “a practical starting point for employers, workers, and other professionals to implement workplace safety and health programs and identify initial steps to improve worker well-being.”
The program addresses five elements of Total Worker Health:
- Demonstrate leadership commitment to safety and health at all levels.
- Design work to eliminate or reduce hazards and promote well-being.
- Promote and support worker engagement through program design and implementation.
- Ensure confidentiality and privacy of workers.
- Integrate relevant systems to advance worker well-being.
The workbook presents a model that describes how to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards. Also included are examples of TWH approaches, a self-assessment tool, and resources to develop an action plan and measure progress.
The workbook is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2017-112/pdfs/2017_112.pdf.