The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) Continues to Work with Employers to Increase the Health of the State’s Workforce
Through the Work@Health program and partners like Norman Regional Health System
OKLAHOMA CITY – The average adult spends one-third of their waking hours working; thus, both the work environment and culture have a large impact on their health.
The Work@Health program aims to help employers improve the health, safety and productivity of their employers while they’re on the job.
“Work@Health not only provides tools and resources, but works with employers to identify specific priorities for their worksite and develop an action plan to address those specific issues,” said Karin Leimbach, an OSDH Work@Health master trainer.
Work@Health is an employer-based training program that aims to improve the organizational health of participating employers and certified trainers, with an emphasis on strategies to reduce chronic disease and injury risk to employees and an eye to improving overall worker productivity.
Norman Regional Health System's Amber Browning, RN, MPH, is working to become a Certified Work@Health trainer through training from the OSDH’s Work@Health master trainers.
Her first cohort of employers includes numerous health systems across Oklahoma: Oklahoma Hospital Association, YMCA of Greater Tulsa, Stillwater Medical Center, Integris Health, Stigler Health and Wellness Center, and Coal County General Hospital.
"Workplace wellness programs are important because having a healthier workforce can benefit the organization with lower healthcare costs, and reduce chronic illness and disability,” Browning said. “I became a certified trainer after I went through the training myself. As a hospital our employees face long hours, a fast pace, and stress from a job where lifesaving decisions are made on a daily basis. . The wellness program is to support those who often times take care of others before taking care of themselves. “
The OSDH holds free trainings to become a trainer every fall and current, certified trainers hold trainings for employers throughout the year.
For more information click here.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.
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