An Exploratory, Qualitative Study of How Organizations Implement the Hierarchy of Controls Applied to Total Worker Health ®

Heidi L. Hudson, Anita L. Schill and Reid Richards
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Heidi L. Hudson: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1150 Tusculum Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
Anita L. Schill: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 395 E St. SW, Washington, DC 20201, USA
Reid Richards: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, 8 Corporate Blvd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-23

Abstract: Understanding of how Total Worker Health ® (TWH) guidelines are implemented in employment organizations in the USA is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to explore how the principles of the Hierarchy of Controls Applied to NIOSH Total Worker Health (TWH HoC), have been implemented among organizations featured as Promising Practices for TWH between 2012–2019, with special focus on the work-related issues of fatigue, stress, sedentary work, and tobacco control. We also sought to identify benefits, obstacles, and lessons learned in the implementation of the TWH HoC. Eighteen organizations were identified to be included in the study. Using a qualitative cross-sectional design and purposive sampling, seven in-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen key informants. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to guide the thematic analysis and interpretation of qualitative data. Four themes identified include recognition of the TWH approach and TWH HoC, implementation of the TWH HoC, barriers and facilitators in addressing specific work-related issues, and implementation climate primes benefits, obstacles, and lessons learned. The inner setting (i.e., culture, implementation climate, readiness for implementation) of organizations was a prominent determinant of the implementation of integrated worker safety, health, and well-being interventions.

Keywords: Total Worker Health; hierarchy of controls; qualitative study; workplace safety; implementation science; future of work; occupational safety and health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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