Health promotion in the workplace

ILO’s approach and good practices

Dr. Yuka UjitaSpecialist, Occupational safety and Health

ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean

Traditional approach to occupational health

Very ill or dependent

Healthy

Resources

Paradigm shift

More focus on prevention

Goals of workplace health promotion

• Improved workplace productivity and performance;

• Long-term well-being of workers and their families;

• Reduced pressure on health, welfare and social security systems.

Impacts to workers and employers

• Improvement of work organization and the working environment;

• Social dialogue and active participation of social partners in OSH reinforcement;

• Promotion of health among all workers, their families and their communities;

• Encouragement of personal development and well-being.

Key factors

• Complementary to OSH measures to prevent accidents and diseases;

• Evidence-based action;

• Involvement of employers, workers and their representatives;

• Focused on healthy behaviours;

• Integration into OSH management practices.

Areas of action

• Workplace well-being;

• Prevention of addiction to alcohol and drug;

• Prevention of HIV/AIDS;

• Psychosocial hazards and mental stress;

• Prevention of violence at work;

• Tobacco-free workplace.

ILO’s tool on health promotion

SOLVE

• Prevention of psychosocial risks

• Promotion of health and well-being at work through policy design and action

ILO’s tool on health promotion

SOLVE

Integrating health promotion into workplace OSH policies

Management Systems ApproachPDCA Cycle

Integration of health promotion into workplace OSH policies

Identify specific problems and assess needs

Provide training and implement workplace action

Evaluate workplace health promotion activities and modify as needed

Broaden OSH policy to integrate health promotion

Country model: JapanPolicy framework:

Industrial Safety and Health Act (1972), Article 70: Employer’s duty to take necessary measures for the maintenance and promotion of workers’ health

Guidelines for the measures to be taken by the employer (1988, 1st version)

- Development of heath promotion plan- Establishment of implementation system in

the workplace- Use of health promotion service facilities- Evaluation of outcomes

Country model: Japan

Measures to be taken: Assessment of health Guidance on physical exercise

- Exercise programme- Assistance/guide

Mental health care Nutritional guidance Health guidance

! ! Confidentiality

Good practice (1) 100 days challenge1. Tobacco cessation, 2. Weight control

Background: communication company (393 workers, 54 years-average)

Tools: study sessions, medical assistance, event plan (hiking), newsletter, support email, certificate

Achievements:Success rate: Tobacco 25~57%, Weight 28~54%Improvement in medical examKeys to successOSH committee activation, commitment by management, supporting system, motivation/encouragement, sharing of feeling

Good practice (2) Sustainable prevention of back pain : stretch exercise at work

Background: printing company (1,400 workers), weakened muscles in the physical fitness test

Tools: study sessions (lecture and exercise) for all workers, identification of high-risk unit, support by supervisors, regular visit by occupational nurse

Achievements:56% reduction of workers with back pain (6 months)Keys to successNeeds assessment, pilot in the high-risk work unit, cooperation with supervisors, sensitization of unit leaders, positive intervention into workplace

Integration of health promotion into workplace OSH policies

Identify specific problems and assess needs

Provide training and implement workplace action

Evaluate workplace health promotion activities and modify as needed

Broaden OSH policy to integrate health promotion