Total Worker Health® Intervention for Construction Workers Alters Safety, Health, Well-Being Measures : Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

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Total Worker Health® Intervention for Construction Workers Alters Safety, Health, Well-Being Measures

Anger, W. Kent PhD; Kyler-Yano, Jason MA; Vaughn, Katie BA; Wipfli, Bradley PhD; Olson, Ryan PhD; Blanco, Magali BS

Author Information

Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon (Dr Anger, Mr Kyler-Yano, Ms Vaughn, Dr Wipfli, Dr Olson, Ms Blanco), Department of Psychology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon (Mr Kyler-Yano), and School of Community Health, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon (Dr Wipfli).

Address correspondence to: W. Kent Anger, PhD, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd. L606, Portland, OR 97239 ([email protected]).

Funding for this study was provided by (CDC) NIOSH U19 OH010154.

OHSU and Dr. Anger have a significant financial interest in Northwest Education Training and Assessment [or NwETA], a company that may have a commercial interest in the results of this research and technology. This potential individual and institutional conflict of interest has been reviewed and managed by OHSU. No other conflicts declared.

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 60(8):p 700-709, August 2018. | DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001290

Abstract

Objective: 

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 14-week Total Worker Health® (TWH) intervention designed for construction crews.

Methods: 

Supervisors (n = 22) completed computer-based training and self-monitoring activities on team building, work-life balance, and reinforcing targeted behaviors. Supervisors and workers (n = 13) also completed scripted safety and health education in small groups with practice activities.

Results: 

The intervention led to significant (P < 0.05) improvements in family-supportive supervisory behaviors (d = 0.72). Additional significant improvements included reported frequency of exercising 30 minutes/day and muscle toning exercise (d = 0.50 and 0.59), family and coworker healthy diet support (d = 0.53 and 0.59), team cohesion (d = 0.38), reduced sugary snacks and drinks (d = 0.46 and d = 0.46), sleep duration (d = 0.38), and objectively-measured systolic blood pressure (d = 0.27).

Conclusion: 

A TWH intervention tailored for construction crews can simultaneously improve safety, health, and well-being.

Copyright © 2018 by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

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