Total Worker Health 101: The Basics

The Total Worker Health (TWH) approach brings together policies, programs and practices that are essential for advancing worker safety, health, and well-being. In this introductory course, participants will learn about:

1) the terms and concepts essential to the TWH approach;

2) the five defining TWH elements;

3) effective organizational implementation strategies of a TWH approach; and

4) ways to develop applicable next steps.

This virtual training is developed and offered by the Oregon Total Worker Health Alliance which includes Oregon OSHA, SAIF Corporation and the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, OHSU.

Continuing education credit through SHRM available upon completion of the training.

Presented by: Katia Costa-Black, Ph.D. and Liz Hill

Dr. Costa-Black has a B.Sc. in Physical Therapy, a M.Sc. in Ergonomics & Biomechanics, and a PhD in Industrial Engineering. As an educator, researcher, and ergonomist, Katia has supported many organizations in implementing several prevention programs —whether focused on ergonomics, OSHA compliance, or managing illnesses/ injuries and presenteeism in the workplace. Over the last eight years, she has been an active advocate for the application of the Total Worker Health® approach vis-à-vis her educational activities and consulting practice.

Liz Hill is the Total Worker Health Adviser for SAIF Corporation. Liz has twenty-five-plus years of experience in professional health and safety and a short stint of global health work. Prior to working at SAIF, Liz worked in a variety of industries from oil and gas to higher education. Liz has BS in Industrial Hygiene and a Master’s of Public Health. She has designation as a Certified Industrial Hygienist and a Certified Safety Professional. She is communications liaison and past chair of the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s (AIHA) Total Worker Health® Advisory Group. In 2022 she received a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Star Partner award