Integrating occupational health and safety and health promotion: Mapping current practice and worker perceptions in Australia

Abstract

Occupational health and safety (OHS) interventions traditionally target workplace ergonomic, psychosocial, and material risks, while workplace health promotion (WHP) interventions primarily focus on health education and behaviour change. The objectives of this study were: (1) to assess the extent to which Australian workers received and participated in integrated interventions; (2) to explore how they viewed three common examples of integrated interventions. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Australia in 2024. Eligible participants were employed in Australian workplaces under any contract type and were aged ≥18 years. Descriptive statistics summarised current practices and perceptions, while inferential statistics explored associations between variables. A thematic inductive approach was employed to analyse qualitative data. Of the 394 workers, mainly from the education, health, and retail sectors, only 25% reported they received integrated interventions, and these workers showed satisfaction (median 4/5). Of the workers receiving integrated interventions, 67.1% participated in integrated interventions with a frequency of 1–4 times/year. Organisational size was significantly and positively associated with the implementation of integrated interventions. Regarding the three examples presented, participants considered them useful (median 4/5) and supported their implementation, with the intervention addressing excessive sitting/musculoskeletal pain being most frequently implemented. High-quality intervention content and human-centred delivery were identified as key success factors that should be carefully considered during intervention planning. Overall, the current picture about integrated interventions in Australia highlights the requirement for genuinely meeting worker needs around intervention delivery and content relevance and addressing worker concerns about privacy and perceived compulsion to improve uptake and effectiveness.