Using Behavioral Theory to Enhance Occupational Safety and Health: Applications to Health Care Workers
Rebecca J Guerin1, David A Sleet2
1Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio.
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
|May 24, 2021
Summary
Social and behavioral science theories can help prevent workplace injuries and illnesses in healthcare. Applying these theories can improve occupational safety and health outcomes for healthcare workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Behavioral science
- Public health interventions
Background:
- Work-related injuries and illnesses are significant public health issues in the US healthcare sector.
- Healthcare workers face high risks for occupational injuries and illnesses.
- Existing structural approaches to worker protection can be complemented by behavioral science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review individual-level behavior change theories and their application to occupational safety and health (OSH) interventions in healthcare.
- To introduce an integrated behavior change theory for enhancing OSH among healthcare workers.
- To explore opportunities for applying behavior change theory in OSH research and practice for healthcare workers.
Main Methods:
- Overview of established individual-level behavior change theories.
- Introduction of an integrated behavior change theory.
- Discussion of theoretical applications in OSH interventions and research.
Main Results:
- Individual-level behavior change theories offer valuable frameworks for understanding and influencing worker safety behaviors.
- Perceived behavioral control is an example of a proximal factor influencing safety outcomes.
- Behavioral science provides a necessary complement to structural interventions for healthcare worker OSH.
Conclusions:
- Behavior change theories are essential tools for designing effective OSH interventions in healthcare.
- An integrated approach combining individual behavior theories with structural measures can optimize healthcare worker safety.
- Further application of behavioral science is crucial for advancing OSH research and practice in the healthcare industry.
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