Integrating health and safety in the workplace: how closely aligning health and safety strategies can yield measurable benefits

J Occup Environ Med. 2015 May;57(5):585-97. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000467.

Abstract

Objective: To better understand how integrating health and safety strategies in the workplace has evolved and establish a replicable, scalable framework for advancing the concept with a system of health and safety metrics, modeled after the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

Methods: Seven leading national and international programs aimed at creating a culture of health and safety in the workplace were compared and contrasted.

Results: A list of forty variables was selected, making it clear there is a wide variety of approaches to integration of health and safety in the workplace.

Conclusion: Depending on how well developed the culture of health and safety is within a company, there are unique routes to operationalize and institutionalize the integration of health and safety strategies to achieve measurable benefits to enhance the overall health and well-being of workers, their families, and the community.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Humans
  • Occupational Health / standards*
  • Organizational Culture*
  • Program Development
  • Program Evaluation
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care
  • United States
  • Workplace / organization & administration