Employers in the Midwest struggling with workplace health and safety issues now have a stronger ally in their efforts to promote a safer and healthier workforce. Workers in Iowa and neighboring states experience more work-related injuries and illnesses than in other parts of the US, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The region also has higher rates of unhealthy behaviors such as heavy alcohol consumption and obesity than other areas of the country, with high rates of occupational fatalities. Recognizing the critical needs in the region, particularly among small employers, the University of Iowa is pleased to announce the expansion and launch of the Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest, in partnership with Washington University in St. Louis and the Nebraska Safety Council, to provide increased attention to these issues.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has funded the Healthier Workforce Center at the University of Iowa since 2006 to address Total Worker Health. The Center serves a resource for policies, programs, and practices that integrate protection from work-related safety and health hazards with health promotion to advance worker well-being. The expanded center is part of a new, five-year commitment from the National Institute of Safety and Health. Center Director Diane Rohlman, PhD, believes this expanded effort will better serve our regional needs. “Our partnerships in Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas will help us leverage even more practical and research expertise to help businesses succeed and to maximize the safety and health of our workers,” said Rohlman. Associate Director of the Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest Bradley Evanoff, MD, MPH at Washington University is pleased to bring more than 25 years of experience as an occupational medicine doctor and as researcher in occupational diseases, musculoskeletal disorders and chemical exposures to bear to help employers and employees maximize their well-being. “Worker health is at the core of family and community health,” Evanoff added. Shelly Campo, PhD, the Center’s Outreach Director, provided an invitation to join the effort. “We encourage a broad range of partners including businesses, municipalities, not-for profit organizations, and labor unions to partner with us,” said Campo. “We offer a variety of free resources, training, and pilot grant opportunities for community organizations, businesses, and researchers.” Find more information at hwcmw.org.