TWH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The UN SDGs were launched in 2015 to meet urgent, global challenges and provide a blueprint for addressing basic needs, empowerment, climate change, natural capital, and governance. The 17 SDGs have been adopted by all 193 UN member states. Organizations around the world that identify as socially responsible corporate citizens began committing to the SDGs in early 2016 and created strategic plans for achieving them. Organizations now routinely communicate their commitment (and report on their performance) related to climate policies, energy use, waste, pollution, natural resource conservation, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental compliance, community volunteer opportunities, health and safety performance, ethics, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Several SDGs intersect with TWH, including good health and well-being (SDG3), gender equality (SDG5), decent work and economic growth (SDG8), sustainable cities and communities (SDG11), and partnerships for the goals (SDG17). To elaborate further, SDG3—good health and well-being—intersects with TWH through its focus on disease-related mortality reduction, mental health promotion, prevention and treatment of substance abuse, tobacco control, access to affordable vaccines and medicines, and reduction of illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution. TWH issues intersecting with this SDG include biological, chemical, and physical agents; ergonomic factors; psychosocial factors; accessible and affordable health-enhancing options; healthy workspace design and environment; safe, secure, and clean facilities; access to green spaces and pathways; safe, healthy, and affordable housing options; chronic disease prevention and management programs; and employee assistance and substance use disorder programs.

In 2021, the UN adopted resolution 48/13 pertaining to the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Human health and quality of life are severely compromised in locations known as “sacrifice zones” where residents experience devastating physical and mental health effects from living in heavily contaminated areas and places that have become (or are becoming) uninhabitable because of extreme weather events or slow-onset disasters resulting from the climate crisis (such as drought, sea-level rise, and epidemic disease). TWH and the SDGs both address growing barriers that individuals face in achieving healthy living and well-being such as those resulting from the climate crisis.

SDG17, partnerships for the goals, is notable for its many opportunities for collaboration. The SDGs and the aims of TWH can be best achieved through collaboration of stakeholders and the management of human and financial resources. SDG17 intersects with TWH in the SDG target areas of knowledge sharing and cooperation for access to science, technology, and innovation; encouraging effective partnerships; and enhancing availability of reliable data. The AIHA guidance on TWH identifies the underlying principles of partnerships and the integration of knowledge and disciplines as the keys to delivering on TWH and TEH. TWH and TEH are data driven; access to and sharing of reliable data are critical. Most issues identified by NIOSH in advancing worker well-being will be effectively addressed through strong partnerships, knowledge sharing, access to science, technology, and innovation, and enhanced availability of reliable scientific data.

STIMULATING INNOVATION Advancing worker well-being also requires advancing community safety and well-being. These needs present issues and risks that traditional approaches to worker health and safety have not previously considered. Addressing risks in a holistic manner, rather than individually, will achieve more effective mitigation and innovations in risk prevention. Risk management conversations pose opportunities for individuals who are typically left out of discussions about worker health and well-being to provide input. ESG has room for input from and interaction with all stakeholders, including workers, planners, investors, exposure scientists, and others.

Designed to achieve a better and more sustainable future for everyone, the SDGs are based on the simple premises of “do no harm” and “do good.” Similarly, TWH aims to eliminate harm and advance worker well-being. There is urgent global need to prevent occupational disease and fatality and to achieve the SDGs and the goals of ESG. Integration and teamwork can accomplish more than individual efforts. Diverse needs and complex issues require diverse knowledge, commitment, innovation, and resources.

In his book The Medici Effect, Frans Johansson argues that the collaboration of diverse industries, cultures, and disciplines results in an explosion of innovation. Given the many intersections discussed in this article, now seems an appropriate time to foster collaboration between those focused on TWH and ESG to stimulate innovations in mitigating shared risks, achieving ESG criteria, and advancing worker well-being and community health.