Characterizing the needs of a young working population: making the case for total worker health in an emerging workforce.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Young workers are at increased risk for occupational injuries. Many lack appropriate skills to avoid workplace hazards. In addition, existing safety programs neither address total worker health principles nor align with the relatively high technological expectations of young workers. This article aimed to identify the content and process for an on-line total worker health training for young workers. METHODS: During the summer of 2012, an on-line survey (n = 187) assessed young workers' behavior, knowledge, and attitudes on total worker health topics and on-line training delivery methods. RESULTS: Forty-five percent of the workers indicated this was their first job; new workers demonstrated lower safety knowledge scores than returning workers. In addition, results demonstrated that workers would benefit from health behavior interventions delivered through technology-based means. CONCLUSIONS: Findings characterize the work-related needs for this population and demonstrate the utility of using on-line training.