A Framework for Workplace Health Programs in Public Safety

by Brian K. Leary, PhD, and Miriam Leary, PhD
TSAC Report June 2025
Vol 76, Issue 1

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This article provides a framework for implementing a workplace health program with a focus on improving the health outcomes of public safety personnel.

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This article originally appeared in TSAC Report, the NSCA’s quarterly, online-only publication geared toward the training of tactical athletes, operators, and facilitators. It provides research-based articles, performance drills, and conditioning techniques for operational, tactical athletes. The TSAC Report is only available for NSCA Members. Read more articles from TSAC Report 

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References

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  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Workplace health model. Workplace health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ workplace-health-promotion/php/model/index.html.
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  6. Community Oriented Policing Services. U.S. Department of Justice. Law enforcement mental health and wellness act (LEMHWA) awards. Cops Office. Retrieved 2024 from: https:// cops.usdoj.gov/lemhwa-award.
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  10. Darnen, MAW, Detaille, SI, Robroek, SJW, Engels, JA, and De Lange, AH. Factors associated with blue-collar workers' participation in worksite health promotion programs: A scoping literature review. Health Promotion International 38: 52, 2023.
  11. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Assistance to firefighters grants. Retrieved 2024 from: https://www.fema.gov/ grants/preparedness/firefighters/assistance-grants.
  12. Fox, J, Desai, MM, Britten, K, Lucas, G, Luneau, R, and Rosenthal, MS. Mental-health conditions, barriers to care, and productivity loss among officers in an urban police department. Connecticut Medicine 76(9): 525-531, 2012.
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  14. Gray, P, Senabe, S, Naicker, N, Kgalamono, S, Yassi, A, and Spiegel, JM. Workplace-based organizational interventions promoting mental health and happiness among healthcare workers: A realist review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16: 4396, 2019.
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  19. Meng, L, Wolff, MB, Mattick, KA, DeJoy, D, Wilson, M, and Smith, ML. Strategies for worksite health interventions to employees with elevated risk of chronic diseases. Safety and Health at Work 8: 117-129, 2017.
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  21. Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Building trust between the police and the citizens they serve. Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, 2009.
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  24. Soteriades, ES, Vogazianos, P, Tozzi, F, Antoniades, A, Economidou, EC, Psalta, L, et al. Exercise and occupational stress among firefighters. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19: 4986, 2022.
  25. Storer, TW, Dolezal, BA, Abrazado, ML, Smith, DL, Batalin, MA, Tseng, C-H, et al. Firefighter health and fitness assessment: A call to action. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 28(3): 661-671, 2014.

 

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Brian K. Leary is an Assistant Professor and Director of Tactical Performance Physiology in the Division of Exercise Physiology at West Virginia Unive ...

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