Workplace injury is a tremendous burden to employers and employees. Keeping workers safe is a top priority for all organizations. Occupational safety is a critical component of most HR departments. It is also an important aspect of worksite wellness programs. While people may more frequently associate nutrition and physical activity with wellness, physical safety is just as important. Some businesses incorporate the safety program as part of the wellness program, and some businesses keep them separate. Combining the programs may offer an opportunity for collaboration among different groups working on wellness issues. It may also help shape the health culture of the organization in a way that is more open about different aspects of health. Are your safety and wellness programs combined into one program? What benefits and/or challenges has this created? Are your programs separate? What benefits and/or challenges has this created? What advice would you give about safety as part of a worksite wellness program?
If you do not currently have a wellness program, discussing the relationship between safety programs and worksite wellness can be an effective way to start one. The wellness program can be seen as an extension of the safety program.