Using the Total Worker Health® Approach to Improve Health and Safety in Corrections

corrections

Correctional officers play a critical role in public safety, yet the demands of the job can take a toll. Long shifts, mandatory overtime, and high stress situations are common, and these conditions can affect both physical and mental health.

Since 2006, the researchers at the Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW) have been working with the corrections workforce to better understand these challenges and identify practical ways to address them. CPH-NEW's work applies the Total Worker Health (TWH) approach, which focuses on improving workplace conditions while supporting healthier workers and organizations.

Unionized organizations may also find helpful materials on our page for union leaders. Discover trainings, practical resources, and research from CPH-NEW to support correctional officer health, safety, and well-being by clicking on the plus icons below.

Improve Safety, Health, and Working Conditions in Corrections Using a TWH Approach

CPH-NEW offers both on-demand eLearning courses and virtual instructor-led training options. While both formats are taught by TWH experts, instructor-led trainings are delivered at scheduled times, while eLearning courses are self-paced to accommodate flexible schedules.Z

On-Demand eLearning Courses:

  • Introduction to Total Worker Health Principles
  • Total Worker Health Employer Crisis Preparedness

Virtual Instructor-Led Trainings:

Browse the CPH-NEW Course Catalog

HWPP Case Studies

Total Worker Health Mentoring Toolkit for Corrections Personnel

The primary goal of the TWH Mentoring Toolkit is to combat the decline in health found in the beginning of a correctional worker's career.

Issue Briefs

CPH News & Views are 2-page briefs on emerging topics related to worker health, safety and well-being. Visit our online archive to view by topic.

Newsletter

CPH-NEW's quarterly newsletter provides information on worker health, safety and well-being. Join CPH-NEW’s mailing list to receive the newsletter in your inbox or read the most recent newsletter online: CPH-NEW Quarterly News and Updates - February 2026 to stay up to date with TWH happenings!

Webinars

Evidence Informed Resources to Address Worker Stress and Trauma Among Correctional Workforce Webinar (5/10/23)

Correctional staff working in jails and prisons are at risk for stress, burnout, and psychological distress from traumatic events experienced on the job. This webinar discusses findings from a research scoping review and national survey to identify best practices and innovative solutions to reduce correctional staff trauma and organizational stress in U.S. jails and prisons. This webinar was part of the ongoing TWH Trends: Expert Webinar Series.

CPH-NEW Corrections Research Studies:

  • Safety & Health in Corrections (HITEC)

CPH-NEW Corrections Publications:

This is a sampling of relevant corrections research. Visit the Publications page for the full list.