Degree of Integration Between Occupational Safety and Health Programs and Wellness Programs: First-year Results From an Insurer-Sponsored Wellness Grant for Smaller Employers

J Occup Environ Med. 2019 Sep;61(9):704-717. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001644.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe levels of integration between occupational safety and health (OSH) and workplace wellness programs/practices/policies ("programs") among participants in an insurer-sponsored wellness grant program.

Methods: We analyzed survey responses about year 1 of an insurer-sponsored grant to start a wellness program from 220 small- and medium-sized employers. Responses yielded 25 indicators of OSH-wellness integration, and 10 additional indicators to summarize multiple responses.

Results: At least half of the employers (N = 220) reported some level of integration within five of seven categories of OSH-wellness integration. Employers sometimes considered ergonomics, safety, or substance exposure hazards while designing their wellness program (15%) or reduced such hazards to support their wellness program (24%). Few meaningful differences were observed by employer size.

Conclusions: Although high levels of integration were unusual, some degree of integration was common for most indicator categories.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Financing, Organized
  • Health Promotion* / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Insurance Carriers*
  • Occupational Health*
  • Ohio
  • Surveys and Questionnaires