Given the dynamic workforce and global economic pressures, it is important that industrial hygienists stay current on policies that both promote employee health and strengthen the financial bottom line. The results of scientific research and real-world experience demonstrate that comprehensive policies which incorporate both the work environment (physical and organizational) and personal risk factors more effectively prevent disease than when approached separately. This unified approach,
sometimes called Wellness or Worklife Initiatives, has the goal to ultimately develop and implement comprehensive policies to reduce workplace hazards and improve employee health. Since this field is young and evolving, additional trans-disciplinary research, education, and translation programs are needed to facilitate the understanding of how to effectively integrate health protection and promotion in the workplace. This symposium will explore the scientific underpinnings of Worklife programs and discuss the role of industrial hygienists in this holistic approach to worker health.
• Welcome/Introduction. D. Anna, Millersville University, Conestoga, PA.
• NIOSH WorkLife Initiative and the Essential Elements for Effective WorkPlace Programs. G. Wagner, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
• "Human Centered Culture" Works for Improved H&S. B. Amick, UT Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX.
• Scientific Basis for Integrated Workplace Programs. G. Sorensen, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
• Economics of Workplace Programs for Health. R. Goetzel, Emory University, Atlanta, GA and Thomson Reuters Healthcare, Washington, DC.
• Company View of Wellness. G. Olmstead, General Mills, Minneapolis, MN.