Is It Time for OSHA to Rethink Safety for the Long Haul?

As stress, chronic illness, and burnout rise, new conversations are pushing safety leaders to consider whether long-term worker health should be part of OSHA’s mandate.

• By Daniyal Shahid
• Jun 23, 2025

OSHA plays a key role in keeping workers safe at their jobs. It sets rules and checks if workplaces are following them. While OSHA does a good job at handling safety in the moment, many people now ask a bigger question: is it also thinking about workers’ long-term health and well-being? From stress and mental health to long-term exposure to noise or chemicals, workers face many hidden risks over time. This article looks at whether OSHA is doing enough to protect workers beyond daily safety checks. It’s not just about avoiding accidents today, but also about helping workers stay healthy for years to come.

The Rise of “Total Worker Health” Thinking

The idea of “Total Worker Health” is becoming more common in safety conversations. It goes beyond hard hats and safety signs. This approach looks at the whole worker, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It connects job safety with things like stress, sleep, diet, and work-life balance.

Many experts now believe that protecting workers means more than preventing injuries. It also means helping them stay healthy in every part of life. Programs that focus on healthy habits, mental health support, and flexible work policies are part of this growing trend.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental illness each year, and workplace stress is estimated to cost American businesses up to $300 billion annually due to absenteeism, turnover, diminished productivity, and medical costs. Furthermore, the CDC reports that 76% of U.S. workers have experienced at least one symptom of a mental health condition.

While OSHA mainly focuses on immediate safety risks, Total Worker Health pushes the conversation further. It reminds employers that long-term well-being is just as important as short-term safety.

Why Long-Term Wellbeing Is a Safety Issue

Long-term well-being is closely linked to workplace safety. When workers face ongoing stress, poor mental health, or unhealthy habits, it can affect their overall performance and safety at work. The goal isn’t just to prevent accidents but to create a healthier, supportive environment for workers over time. When workers feel supported in their mental and physical health, they’re less likely to experience burnout, stress, or injury. Addressing long-term well-being helps create a safer and more productive workplace, as it focuses on prevention and improving workers' overall quality of life.

In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said that private companies reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. Long-term dangers are still a problem. The CDC says over 22 million workers face harmful noise each year, and more than 13 million are exposed to skin-absorbing chemicals. Many workers still suffer from long-term health problems like breathing issues, skin diseases, and hearing loss.

What Employers Are Doing on Their Own

Many employers are taking steps to support the long-term well-being of their workers. This includes offering wellness programs, mental health support, and promoting a healthy work-life balance. Some companies are improving workplace conditions, offering flexible hours, and providing resources for stress management. Here’s how organizations are making an impact, backed by recent statistics and real-world examples:

Widespread Adoption of Wellness Programs

• As of 2025, 87% of companies have a formal wellness program in place, a significant jump from 61% in 2020.
• 77% of employees say these programs positively impact workplace culture, and 69% of HR leaders report improved employee retention as a result.
• Major employers like Google, Salesforce, and Johnson & Johnson have set benchmarks with holistic programs that combine physical health, mental health support, flexible work, and even financial wellness education.

Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

• 70% of HR professionals now cite burnout as the top threat to workforce productivity, and 56% of employees report experiencing burnout in the last year.
• Companies are responding: 49% now offer guided meditation or stress-relief apps, and 62% of managers have received training to recognize burnout symptoms.

Flexible Work and Work-Life Balance

• Flexible work arrangements have become the norm, with 82% of workers preferring flexible schedules over rigid, in-person setups.
• 81% of employees say remote or hybrid work options have improved their mental wellbeing, and 74% of remote workers find flexibility helps manage stress

Financial Safety Nets: The Missing Layer

Many workers face challenges beyond the job site, especially when it comes to financial security. While OSHA focuses on physical safety, long-term financial health often gets ignored. Without strong support systems, a single injury or illness can lead to major financial stress.

Some employers and experts suggest adding tools like funded IULs (Indexed Universal Life Insurance) as part of a worker’s benefits. These can help workers build long-term savings while also offering life coverage. Unlike basic insurance,fundedIULs grow with time and can be used when needed. This kind of safety net could fill the gap between health and true long-term wellbeing.

Should OSHA Expand Its Mandate?

OSHA’s main goal is to protect workers from immediate physical harm, but many believe that’s no longer enough. Today’s workforce faces more than just broken bones and falls — stress, burnout, and financial pressure are also serious risks. Some experts think OSHA should expand its role to include long-term well-being, like mental health support and financial education. Others worry that widening the mandate could make the agency less focused. Still, as work changes, OSHA may need to rethink its limits to truly keep workers safe and healthy for the long run.

Conclusion

Long-term worker wellbeing is more than a nice idea — it’s a serious part of safety. While OSHA has done a lot to protect workers from injuries, modern challenges need modern solutions. From mental health to financial stress, today’s risks go beyond the factory floor. If real progress is the goal, it may be time for OSHA, employers, and policymakers to work together and think bigger. Health and safety should protect the whole person, not just the job they do.