Developing recommendations for an integrated approach to workplace health protection and health promotion

Reasons for the study

Workplace health promotion (WHP) programs that also emphasize hazard correction through occupational health and safety (OHS) activities have greater worker participation rates and higher injury reduction rates than those that focus on OHS or worker health behavioural changes alone. As well, the coordination of OHS and WHP efforts is good resource stewardship. Rather than competing for resources, resources are pooled to the benefit of the broader organization.

In 2011, various international agencies endorsed an integrated approach to OHS and workplace wellness programs; the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Total Worker Health® approach is one example. Yet, little guidance is available to employers on how to implement an integrated strategy. This study helped fill that gap.

Objectives of the study

  • Conduct a scoping review of existing peer-reviewed and non-academic literature, documenting existing approaches to the integration of OHS and WHP policies and practices
  • Identify challenges, successes and outcomes of integrated approaches
  • Integrate feedback and insight from researchers and partners to identify key processes and guiding principles that should be addressed by workplaces integrating OHS and WHP activities

Target audience

Findings from this research provides guidance to employers—especially those represented by the project's partner organizations, which make up a sizeable proportion of the industry stakeholders important to Alberta's economic future—that can be implemented to enhance the safety and well-being of workers and sustain high levels of productivity through an integrated worker health approach.

Related research summaries

Related scientific publications

IWH Speaker Series presentations

Project status

Completed 2020

Research team

Collaborators and partners

Alberta Health Services
Energy Safety Canada
Graham Lowe Group

Funded by

Alberta OHS Future