The Potential for Total Worker Health® Approaches in State and Territorial Health Departments : A National Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Objective: To document the extent to which state and territorial health departments (SHDs) integrate their occupational safety and health (OSH) and workplace health promotion (WHP) activities consistent with a Total Worker Health (TWH) approach.

Methods: Nationally representative survey of OSH and WHP practitioners at 56 SHDs followed by in-depth interviews.

Results: Despite reporting limited awareness of the TWH initiative and TWH resources, most respondents (57% OSH, 64% WHP) reported collaboration between OSH and WHP staff in their departments. Collaborations were described in-depth. Barriers to OSH-WHP collaborations included resource insufficiencies, organizational structure in the SHD, and conflicting practices. Facilitators included knowledge of TWH approaches, proximity to TWH Centers of Excellence, proximity between OSH/WHP programs, and leadership initiative. Motivations for collaboration were enumerated.

Conclusions: Strategies for building TWH capacity and activity among SHDs are discussed.