D3: How IAQ Affects Total Worker Health®

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

Room: 391 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

Indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a critical role in supporting Total Worker Health®, yet it is often overlooked as a contributor to both physical and psychosocial stress in the workplace. For example, poor ventilation can lead to elevated levels of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, which are associated with headaches, fatigue, and respiratory irritation: all symptoms that reduce productivity and increase absenteeism. Inadequate cleaning practices can result in particulate buildup, exacerbating respiratory issues, especially among sensitive populations. Additionally, visible signs of water damage or mold growth not only pose physical health risks but can also negatively impact worker morale, contributing to anxiety, stress, and other mental health concerns.

This session will explore how suboptimal IAQ acts as a multifaceted stressor, affecting workers' physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. By recognizing IAQ as a key component of workplace health strategies, organizations can better align environmental controls with holistic worker wellness initiatives.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:
• Identify common IAQ issues that may affect Total Worker Health.
• Differentiate between generic complaints and complaints associated with poor IAQ.
• Incorporate IAQ into their topics considered when evaluating Total Worker Health®. 

Intermediate

Indoor Air Quality

Psychosocial hazards

Consulting

Hazard Communication

Indoor air quality

In-person

OnDemand

Practitioner

Problem Solving /Practice Exercises