NIH Named NIOSH ‘Total Worker Health’ Affiliate
NIH is recognized around the world for its commitment to improving human health. The agency also cares about the well-being of its employees and others are noticing. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a research agency focused on the study of worker safety and health and part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recently named NIH a Total Worker Health Affiliate. To achieve this recognition, an organization must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to protect and promote worker safety, health and well-being.
Many familiar activities and collaborative efforts helped NIH achieve the honor, including Safety, Health and Wellness Day, Bike to Work Day, Take a Hike Day, the Institute Relay, the Wellness@NIH web site and newsletters sponsored by the NIH Health and Wellness Council, SafetyCast in a Minute videos, NIH Health in Buildings Roundtable, Spring into Wellness campaign and the Employee Assistance Program.
It doesn’t stop with what NIH has already achieved. To maintain a leadership role in the federal sector and retain affiliate status, NIH must continue promoting injury and illness prevention; conduct regular employee safety, health and wellness training; and sponsor educational forums and other outreach and employee engagement initiatives disseminating Total Worker Health research and findings.
Thanks to efforts by the Office of Research Services’ Amenities and Transportation Services and Occupational Health and Safety Divisions in supporting a holistic approach to employee health and working with NIOSH, NIH secured this designation.