Integrating health promotion and occupational safety and health in manufacturing worksites: Perspectives of leaders in small-to-medium sized businesses

Subtitle:

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Nelson, Candace C.^{a; *} | Allen, Jennifer D.^b | McLellan, Deborah^c | Pronk, Nico^{d; e} | Davis, Kia L.^{c; e}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA | [b] School of Arts and Sciences, Community Health Program, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA | [c] Center for Community-Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA | [d] HealthPartners, HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research, Minneapolis, MN, USA | [e] Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Candace C. Nelson, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Data Management and Outcomes Assessment, 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108, USA. Tel.: +1 617 768 7800; E-mail:candace.nelson@massmail.state.ma.us

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that worksite interventions integrating worksite health promotion (WHP) and occupational safety and health (OSH) may be more efficacious and have higher participation rates than health promotion programs offered alone. However, dissemination of integrated programs is complicated by lack of tools for implementation - particularly for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to describe perceptions of acceptability and feasibility of implementing an integrated approach to worker health that coordinates WHP and OSH in SMBs. METHODS: In September to November 2012, decision-makers for employee health programming within SMBs (< 750 employees) in greater Minneapolis were identified. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed to develop an understanding of perceived benefits and barriers, awareness, and capacity for implementing an integrated approach. RESULTS: Worker health was widely valued by participants. They reported strong management support for improving employee health and safety. Most participants indicated that their company was open to making changes in their approach to worker health; however, cost and staffing considerations were frequently perceived as barriers. CONCLUSIONS: There are opportunities for implementing integrated worksite health programs in SMBs with existing resources and values. However, challenges to implementation exist, as these worksites may lack the appropriate resources.

Keywords: Workplace, health promotion, occupational health, information dissemination

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152038

Journal: Work, vol. 52, no. 1, pp. 169-176, 2015