Workplace Wellness Programs: Health and Safe Work Environment

The environmental conditions of the worksite can be divided into both physical and psychosocial domains, both of which influence the culture and climate of a worksite. The cultural norms of a worksite have been identified as powerful determinants of worker health and behavior (Baum, 1995). Ultimately, workers benefit most from a healthy, supportive; eustressful worksite community was they feel valued and respected. Since adults spend approximately one third of their waking hours at work, one would hope that employees view work as less of a necessity and more of an enjoyable experience. 

The climate of a worksite is also more conducive to enhancing health and human performance when the environment is safe, clean, aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically engineered. While some occupations maybe inherently dangerous (e.g., fire fighter, military personnel) all broad-based Workplace Wellness Programs should control exposure to unhealthy conditions including: hazardous chemicals, noise, temperature, radiation and other risky conditions. Program examples include: 

• Workplace Wellness Programs grounded in supportive cultural change strategies

• Environmental and safety compliance measures

            Lighting

            Ventilation

            Heating

            Control of toxic substances

            Noise

 

            Universal precautions

• Ergonomically designed workstations

• Sanitary, clean, well maintained physical environment

• Recycling promoted initiatives

• worker & management training in emergency procedures