State organizations align on health and safety

Representatives from three Oregon worker safety organizations last week signed an agreement to form an alliance that will improve the health, safety and well-being of Oregon workers. The Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at OHSU, Oregon OSHA and SAIF committed to partnering on Total Worker Health®, advocating for a broader approach to worker well-being beyond the workplace.

The alliance, the first of its kind nationwide, will work together to provide training, conduct research and educate Oregon workers on their rights, in an effort to improve overall worker safety and health, and prevent workplace injuries. The organizations will expand the knowledge and application of Total Worker Health® principles and practices that have been established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Total Worker Health® acknowledges that people's jobs can impact their overall health, and that their lives outside of their jobs can impact their safety at work. For instance, issues like poor sleep at home can significantly increase a worker's risk of getting injured.

The Oregon Healthy Workforce Center, part of the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at OHSU, is a NIOSH Center of Excellence in Total Worker Health®. SAIF is a Total Worker Health® Affiliate.

For more information, visit SAIF.com/twh, Oregon OSHA, and OHSU's Oregon Healthy Workforce Center.