NIOSH Total Worker Health®

Total Worker Health (TWH) expands the prevention of occupational disease from traditional workplace hazards into a broader program compatible with the modern American workplace and workforce. It targets the prevention of the most prevalent conditions at greatest cost to society such as cardiovascular disease, degenerative conditions of the bones and joints, impaired mental health and maximizes the potential of workers throughout their lifespan. Total Worker Health’s core concept is that the health of the American worker is affected both positively and negatively by the organization of work.

Total Worker Health programs have:

  • reduced occupational injury & illness
  • engaged more workers in best practices
  • improved work-life balance
  • improved safe & healthy work environment
  • improved the workforce resilience

Fundamentals of Total Worker Health Approaches: Essential Elements for Advancing Worker Safety, Health, and Well-Being 

Defining Elements:

  1. Demonstrate leadership commitment to worker safety and health at all levels of the organization.
  2. Design work to eliminate or reduce safety and health hazards and promote worker well-being.
  3. Promote and support worker engagement throughout program design and implementation.
  4. Ensure confidentiality and privacy of workers.
  5. Integrate relevant systems to advance worker well-being.

To learn more about the NIOSH TWH Program, read The NIOSH Total Worker Health Program: An Overview or visit the NIOSH TWH Program Website.