Strategies and challenges by size and sector for implementing integrated approaches to worker health

Background and Objectives: Growing evidence shows that integrating strategies of occupational safety and health (OSH) and worksite health promotion (WHP) may be more effective in improving worker health than the traditional worksite model of having separate approaches. While appealing, implementing integrated approaches may be challenging and few resources exist for interested practitioners and worksites. Additionally, there may be specific strategies and challenges across industry sector and size that are unique. This presentation will address these topics by 1) describing and analyzing strategies and challenges to integrated approaches in large and small manufacturing businesses and in large hospitals, 2) analyzing differences found across size and sector and 3) identifying integrated resources for worksites to use. Methods: This paper uses qualitative data analysis methods including reviews of field staff interviews, process data, and documents. Results: Preliminary results from the two sectors indicate that while there are unique challenges and strategies to use for integrated approaches in the manufacturing and hospital sectors, there are also similarities. While large organizations may have more resources for integrated programming, complex hierarchies may exist that complicate efforts. Small organizations may lack extensive resources but have the flexibility to implement integrated approaches. Management and union buy-in are critical to integrated programming success. There are a number of resources now available for integrated approaches to worker health. Conclusions: Though differences exist, there are common challenges and strategies across these two industry sectors and sizes that may enhance integrated approaches to worker health.