NIOSH Expands Total Worker Health Affiliate Program
Federal health officials expand a collaborative network aimed at integrating traditional workplace safety with broader employee well-being.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Mar 10, 2026
NIOSH has announced the addition of four organizations to its Total Worker Health (TWH) Affiliate Program. The expansion brings the total membership of the program to more than 60 affiliates as of February 2026, representing a diverse range of sectors committed to advancing worker safety, health, and productivity.
"We are pleased to welcome these organizations to the Total Worker Health Affiliate Program," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. "Each organization has demonstrated a commitment to advancing and promoting Total Worker Health principles within their organization and we look forward to working closely with them."
The newly named affiliates join a network established in 2014 that focuses on the "Total Worker Health" approach—an integrated strategy that acknowledges how work-related factors intersect with non-work factors to impact the overall well-being of the workforce.
New Total Worker Health Affiliates
The four organizations joining the federal program include:
- BETA Healthcare Group: A provider of insurance solutions for hospitals and healthcare organizations, BETA focuses on the interconnectedness of work and non-work factors to reduce occupational illnesses and improve quality of care.
- Interactive Community Alliance, Inc. (ICA): This organization works to strengthen small and medium-sized businesses and their communities through education and prevention, fostering long-term resilience through local and international partnerships.
- Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO): Through its "Healthy Work Healthy Mind" initiative, LEO addresses workplace mental health, stress, and trauma as critical components of economic and worker success.
- Oregon State University (OSU): The university is working to reduce organizational silos and coordinate safety and well-being programs to foster a culture that supports both employee and student engagement.
The addition of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to this federal network follows a report from earlier today detailing how Michigan has become the first state labor department to be officially named a NIOSH affiliate. This designation is intended to streamline the implementation of federal research into state-level safety enforcement and outreach.
The TWH Affiliate Program continues to prioritize a holistic framework that goes beyond simple hazard mitigation. By emphasizing Total Worker Health principles, the program encourages employers to implement organizational changes that address the root causes of health disparities and injuries, ultimately creating more sustainable and healthier workplace environments.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of OHSOnline.com.