Successful Strategies for Supporting the Health and Safety of a Young and Transient Workforce
Theme: Community Safety & Health
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Summit Hall Room 1

Description

Young workers (under 25 years old), those new to the job, or transient workers (i.e., those on temporary job contracts) are at higher risk of workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities due to inexperience, poor health behaviors, poor leadership support and a lack of practical knowledge or advanced training about various workplace hazards, including psychosocial hazards. This reality, combined with the inherently dangerous nature of most work in Alaska—shaped by its harsh environmental conditions, remote locations, and unique cultural environment—presents many challenges to employers, supervisors, and leaders.    Supporting the health and safety of a young, new and transient workforce in Alaska requires innovative, comprehensive, and adaptable strategies, such as those proposed by the Total Worker Health® (TWH) approach. This approach involves integrating safety, health, and well-being into organizational management practices and policies in a way that makes workers new to the job or that environment, feel truly supported, engaged, and well-equipped with practical knowledge on the job. The TWH approach recognizes that workplace factors and personal health behaviors are interconnected, especially for younger workers who are entering the workforce with different expectations, experiences, and challenges.    In this presentation, attendees will learn about the evidence supporting a more integrated health and safety culture that addresses social systems' needs and business priorities to reduce accidents, injuries, and illnesses while advancing workers' well-being, regardless of age or experience. Specific leadership-focused strategies Young workers (under 25 years old), those new to the job, or transient workers (i.e., those on temporary job contracts) are at higher risk of workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities due to inexperience, poor health behaviors, poor leadership support and a lack of practical knowledge or advanced training about various workplace hazards, including psychosocial hazards. This reality, combined with the inherently dangerous nature of most work in Alaska—shaped by its harsh environmental conditions, remote locations, and unique cultural environment—presents many challenges to employers, supervisors, and leaders.    Supporting the health and safety of a young, new and transient workforce in Alaska requires innovative, comprehensive, and adaptable strategies, such as those proposed by the Total Worker Health® (TWH) approach. This approach involves integrating safety, health, and well-being into organizational management practices and policies in a way that makes workers new to the job or that environment, feel truly supported, engaged, and well-equipped with practical knowledge on the job. The TWH approach recognizes that workplace factors and personal health behaviors are interconnected, especially for younger workers who are entering the workforce with different expectations, experiences, and challenges.    In this presentation, attendees will learn about the evidence supporting a more integrated health and safety culture that addresses social systems' needs and business priorities to reduce accidents, injuries, and illnesses while advancing workers' well-being, regardless of age or experience. Specific leadership-focused strategies that support the TWH of young and transient workers and enhance employee engagement across the organization will be uncovered and discussed.that support the TWH of young and transient workers and enhance employee engagement across the organization will be uncovered and discussed.

Speakers

• Katia M. Costa-Black, Oregon Healthy Workforce Center, OHSU, Senior Manager for Education and Partnerships
• Naomi DuCharme, Alaska Safety Alliance, Executive Director