This document discusses health promotion in the workplace. It outlines the ILO's approach to integrating health promotion into occupational safety and health policies using a management systems approach. This includes identifying specific health problems, providing training and implementing actions, evaluating results, and broadening policies. The document provides examples of successful health promotion programs, including a 100-day challenge to stop tobacco use and control weight and a stretching exercise program that reduced back pain. Workplace health promotion aims to improve productivity, worker well-being, and reduce burdens on health systems.

1. Health promotion in the workplace
ILO’s approach and
good practices
Dr. Yuka Ujita
Specialist, Occupational safety and Health
ILO Decent Work Team and Office
for the Caribbean

2. Traditional approach to occupational
health
Very ill or
dependent
Healthy
Resources

3. Paradigm shift
More focus on prevention

4. Goals of workplace health promotion
• Improved workplace productivity and
performance;
• Long-term well-being of workers and
their families;
• Reduced pressure on health, welfare and
social security systems.

5. Impacts to workers and employers
• Improvement of work organization and
the working environment;
• Social dialogue and active participation of
social partners in OSH reinforcement;
• Promotion of health among all workers,
their families and their communities;
• Encouragement of personal development
and well-being.

6. Key factors
• Complementary to OSH measures to
prevent accidents and diseases;
• Evidence-based action;
• Involvement of employers, workers and
their representatives;
• Focused on healthy behaviours;
• Integration into OSH management
practices.

7. Areas of action
• Workplace well-being;
• Prevention of addiction to alcohol and
drug;
• Prevention of HIV/AIDS;
• Psychosocial hazards and mental stress;
• Prevention of violence at work;
• Tobacco-free workplace.

8. ILO’s tool on health promotion
SOLVE
• Prevention of psychosocial risks
• Promotion of health and well-
being at work through policy
design and action

9. ILO’s tool on health promotion
SOLVE
Integrating health promotion into
workplace OSH policies

10. Management Systems Approach
PDCA Cycle

11. Integration of health promotion into
workplace OSH policies
Identify specific problems and
assess needs
Provide training and
implement workplace action
Evaluate workplace health promotion
activities and modify as needed
Broaden OSH policy to
integrate health promotion

12. Country model: Japan
Policy framework:
Industrial Safety and Health Act (1972), Article
70: Employer’s duty to take necessary measures
for the maintenance and promotion of workers’
health
Guidelines for the measures to be taken by
the employer (1988, 1st version)
Development of heath promotion plan
Establishment of implementation system in
the workplace
Use of health promotion service facilities
Evaluation of outcomes

13. Country model: Japan
Measures to be taken:
 Assessment of health
 Guidance on physical exercise
Exercise programme
Assistance/guide
 Mental health care
 Nutritional guidance
 Health guidance
! ! Confidentiality

14. Good practice (1) 100 days challenge
1. Tobacco cessation, 2. Weight control
Background: communication company (393 workers,
54 years-average)
Tools: study sessions, medical assistance, event
plan (hiking), newsletter, support email, certificate
Achievements:
Success rate: Tobacco 25~57%, Weight 28~54%
Improvement in medical exam
Keys to success
OSH committee activation, commitment by
management, supporting system,
motivation/encouragement, sharing of feeling

15. Good practice (2) Sustainable prevention
of back pain : stretch exercise at work
Background: printing company (1,400
workers), weakened muscles in the physical fitness
test
Tools: study sessions (lecture and exercise) for all
workers, identification of high-risk unit, support by
supervisors, regular visit by occupational nurse
Achievements:
56% reduction of workers with back pain (6 months)
Keys to success
Needs assessment, pilot in the high-risk work
unit, cooperation with supervisors, sensitization of
unit leaders, positive intervention into workplace

16. Integration of health promotion into
workplace OSH policies
Identify specific problems and
assess needs
Provide training and
implement workplace action
Evaluate workplace health promotion
activities and modify as needed
Broaden OSH policy to
integrate health promotion