PSHFES Member Webinar - Total Worker Health 101 for the Ergonomist

Total Worker Health® 101 for the Ergonomist*

The NIOSH Total Worker Health® (TWH) approach is rapidly evolving in its scientific recognition and practical uptake and utilization. Its value is clear when observing the changes in the realm of work and pressures to adopt a more holistic, integrated and strategic approach to new and traditional workplace risks affecting the health, safety and well-being of workers. Many ergonomic strategies have been applied to advance TWH and ergonomists need to become more familiar with those strategies and the contribution of ergonomics to this approach. They also need to learn and recognize what are the core principles for successfully implementing a TWH approach in practice. This webinar will provide a TWH 101 for the ergonomist. The presenters will share valuable resources and educational training information for those interested in becoming certified on TWH, as well as those simply interested to learn how to integrate some of the tools and principles into their practice. Particular attention will be given to ergonomic strategies related to two priority areas proposed by NIOSH: the future of work and healthy work design and well-being programs.

Learning objectives:

At the completion of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

• Define the TWH approach, recognize its contributions and core principles.
• Identify various ergonomic interventions built on the premises of a holistic TWH model for improving workforce safety, health, and well-being.
• Discuss the how ergonomists can support the advances of TWH application in their practice and how they can utilize the available resources

Dr. Katia Costa-Black (she/her) is a faculty lecturer in the Graduate Program of Ergonomics and Biomechanics at New York University and at the School of Health Systems and Public Health at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She also serves as an independent consultant in the area of ergonomics and Total Worker Health®. Dr. Costa-Black brings an international, research-oriented and multi-disciplinary perspective to her teaching and ergonomics practice. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, a Master’s degree in Ergonomics and Biomechanics, and Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy. She serves as the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s (AIHA) Total Worker Health® NIOSH CoE Liaison, and recently joined the executive council of the Puget Sound Human Factors and Ergonomics Society as their Newsletter Editor.

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 international 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 currently serving as chair on the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s (AIHA) Total Exposure Health/Total Worker Health® Advisory Group, as a member of the Multidisciplinary Collaborative for Occupational Health Professionals and is past chair of AIHA Safety Committee.

*Active PSHFES Membership is required for registration