Abstract
Occupational disease prevention, improved worker well-being, community health, social responsibility, and diversity and inclusion (D&I) are priorities for the mining sector, to name a few. Along with risks and opportunities, this list also represents some of the overlapping aspects of Total Worker Health® (TWH) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG); TWH® a holistic, integrated approach to occupational disease prevention and improved worker well-being; and ESG a movement or investing principle that prioritizes environmental issues, social issues, and corporate governance. There are significant areas of overlap and points of intersection between TWH and ESG representing opportunities to collaborate, pool resources, and advance performance and outcomes for both. Health and Safety is a driver for ESG, as is human capital. Strong performance in ESG is imperative for mining as the sector experiences pressures from community members, investors, shareholders, and the financial community. The ESG framework is relevant to the TWH approach. Pursuing the intersection of ESG and TWH and potential opportunities and partnerships will advance worker wellbeing and strengthen ESG performance. This session will take a closer look at D&I, an aspect of both TWH and ESG, and will outline other intersections. Potential, beneficial partnerships will be noted. One example of ESG-related efforts that will be examined is the mining sector’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and achieving gender balance. The current occupational health research modelling does not largely represent women nor does it support the establishment of standards or guidance pertaining to the protection of their reproductive health and birth outcomes. This session will take a closer look at the current state of D&I in mining (barriers related to gender bias, harassment, gender-based violence and bullying) and opportunities to attract, support, and retain women in the sector. An overview of TWH and ESG frameworks will be provided along with available useful references and tools.