Workplace wellness: industry associations are well placed and some are ready to take a more active role in workplace health

Abstract

BackgroundInvestments in settings-based health interventions can include workplaces, however, engaging with businesses and convincing them to take a role can be difficult. Our research investigated the potential for trade or industry associations (IAs) to have a role in promoting workplace health initiatives to their members.MethodsSeventeen semi-structured interviews were undertaken with senior executives from IAs representing industries in the mining, transport, agriculture, manufacturing, farming, hospitality, and construction sectors. Analysis of interviews identified themes around attitudes to workplace health promotion programs and the perceived, actual and potential role/s of IAs in promoting workplace wellness.ResultsIA representatives believed workplaces had potential to be promoting the health and wellbeing of workers through their member organisations; however for some the extent of their role was unclear and for others there was confusion between government-mandated safety initiatives and non-mandated health and wellbeing initiatives. All reported that their IA could have a role in promoting worker health and wellbeing initiatives to member organisations. IAs with larger companies as members were more likely to recognise the importance of workplaces promoting workers’ health; however, the degree of involvement considered appropriate varied. Most IAs had not discussed the topic with their member organisations although they identified resources and support that could assist them in encouraging members to undertake workplace health programs. Resources included industry-relevant business cases outlining the benefits of workplace health, and industry-appropriate worker health information.ConclusionsOur research suggests that across many industry sectors, larger IAs in particular are ready to take a more active role in workplace health initiatives and are well placed to promote these to member organisations.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3364-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A systematic review of factors influencing the implementation of health promotion programs in the construction industry

“…The review found several organisational factors influencing health promotion activities (Table 5). The cost of health promotion programs was the most cited barrier for construction organisations, particularly for small and medium-sized companies (Marsch et al , 2018; Chau et al , 2019). Employers also viewed health promotion activities as an additional expense because their implementation jeopardised work progress and construction productivity (Du Plessis et al , 2013; Mette et al , 2018).…”

“…A higher prevalence of health problems is linked with the construction industry's unique work characteristics and employment conditions that expose workers to long working hours, stressful work environments, temporary work and employment, and immense production pressures (Chung et al , 2019; Hanna and Markham, 2019). Despite the magnitude of health issues identified in the construction industry, construction organisations and other stakeholders seem to demonstrate little change in policies and initiatives to improve workers health (Marsch et al , 2018; Hanna and Markham, 2019). In addressing health concerns, the factors influencing the implementation and effectiveness of health promotion programs in the construction industry need to be understood and appropriately analysed.…”

Health, social and legal supports for migrant agricultural workers in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Canada, Australia and New Zealand: a scoping review

“…Translation and interpretation services, as well as careful consideration of cross-cultural communication needs among this workforce, are crucial toward an effective health and safety program in the workplace (67, 70). While industry associations may play a role in promoting migrant workers' health and safety, prior research suggests that these entities do not view protecting workers' health or wellbeing as within their mandate (71). Peers, including direct managers may also be important to setting a safety standard in the workplace, as their attitudes and behaviors have been found to have the ability to positively impact workplace safety (72).…”

Interfaces of occupational health management and corporate social responsibility: a multi-centre qualitative study from Germany

“…are increasingly engaging in OHM activities [ 18 ]. Industry and trade associations and various public institutions are also increasingly developing guidance and information for companies on WHP and OHM [ 19 ]. Moreover, it is common in large companies for employees to establish so-called “health circles”, where topics such as smoking cessation and work-life-balance are covered; providing an important intersection between management and employees [ 20 ].…”