by Brianna Crandall — July 21, 2014—The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Office for Total Worker Health (TWH) recently launched an Affiliate Program in order to increase the number of work environments that support the overall safety, health and well-being of workers. Inaugural members of the NIOSH TWH Affiliate Program include the University of Colorado School of Public Health and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Through integrating traditional workplace safety and health programs with newer worker health promotion programs to achieve total worker health, the NIOSH Total Worker Health Affiliate Program aims to increase the capacity and scope of public and not-for-profit organizations.
The two initial Affiliates in the program are reportedly leading the way for improved workplace and worker safety, health and well-being by applying more of an integrated approach. The Center for Worker Health and Environment at the University of Colorado School of Public Health has a robust and growing continuing education program, public-private partnerships, and community-based initiative to integrate worksite health promotion and health protection. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was recognized in an Institute of Medicine report, Integrating Employee Health: A Model Program for NASA, for “being forward-looking in designing programs aimed at improving the health and wellness of its employees.”
Participation in the Affiliate Program is voluntary and intended for public sector entities; labor organizations; academic institutions; federal, state, or local entities; and nonprofit associations that align with the principles of a Total Worker Health approach. Any parties interested in becoming a NIOSH TWH Affiliate are encouraged to contact the Office for Total Worker Health.
