Ss27-01 Using Core Values Strategies to Safeguard and Advance the Mental Health of Workers by Using the Total Worker Health Approach

Abstract Introduction The NIOSH Total Worker Health® (TWH) program represents a new academic and applied discipline that is reshaping occupational safety and health (OSH). TWH’s core values strategy seeks to assure workers have agency, flexibility, participation, respect, adequate wages and fair treatment. These values help build rapport amongst team members, increase social connections, advance participation and engagement, and encourage meaningful work to safeguard workers and advance their mental and overall health. Materials and Methods NIOSH moves evidence-based research to practice, by encouraging adoption of TWH core values. Centers of Excellence for TWH conduct research, many focused on psychosocial risks and mental health. NIOSH partners with TWH Affiliates, industry, labor, and educational organizations. A new Society for Total Worker Health Professionals now connects a community of professionals dedicated to TWH research, education, and sharing real-world solutions. Results The TWH program publishes 50 peer-reviewed publications annually, funds ten Centers, has 58 TWH Affiliates, and six degree/certificate programs to train professionals. Communication products reach ~45,000 subscribers; 29 webinars boast 12,000 registrations, awarding 2,200 hours of continuing education. Conclusions To effectively protect workers, TWH expands traditional OSH strategies to embrace core values, recognizing workers want safe, fulfilling, and engaging work with purpose, fair wages, good benefits, and respect. Shared commitment between labor and management, participation, healthier work design, and supervision support safer and more meaningful work. The core values approach prioritizes worker-centered interventions that advance the overall health and well-being of workers.