Health promotion programs in small worksites: Results of a national survey

Purpose. This study documents the prevalence of workplace health promotion activities at small worksites with 15 to 99 employees. Design. A random sample of U.S. worksites stratified by size and industry ( n = 3628) was drawn using American Business Lists. Measures. Each worksite was surveyed using a computer-assisted telephone in terview system to document activities related to health promotion and relat ed programs, worksite policies regarding health and safety health insurance , and philanthropic activities. Subjects. Participation varied by industry and size, with an overall respon se rate for eligible worksites of 78 % for a total sample of 2680 worksites . Data analysis. Data were analyzed using SUDAAN statistical software. Results. Approximately 25 % of worksites with 15 to 99 employees offered he alth promotion programs to their employees, compared with 44% of worksites with 100+ employees. As with the larger worksites, the most common programs for worksites with 15 to 99 employees were those related to occupational s afety and health, back injury prevention, and CPR. The majority of worksite s in both size categories had alcohol, illegal drug, smoking, and occupant protection policies. The majority of both small and large worksites also of fered group health insurance to their employees (92% and 98%, respectively) , with many of the worksites also extending benefits to family members and dependents (approximately 80% for both business sizes). Conclusions. The results indicated that small worksites are providing progr ams to their employees, with a primary focus on job-related hazards. Small worksites also have formal policies regarding alcohol, drug use, smoking, a nd seatbelt use and offer health insurance to their employees at a rate onl y slightly lower than that of large worksites.