Objectives To implement and evaluate a Total Workplace Safety and Health Project (Total WSH) at a security office in a Singapore university.

Methods Total WSH is an integrated approach to the management of health and safety in the workplace. In the first phase of our project, we evaluated the gaps and challenges of the safety and health management system within the department, and gained understanding of the health status of the security officers, through assessment tools including a Basic Health Survey, workplace visits and semistructured interviews. Recommendations were subsequently discussed with the senior management for implementation in the intervention phase, with evaluation of process and outcome measures thereafter.

Results Strong communication among all staff in the security office was noted, and this is related to the openness of staff across different management levels. All staff took part in the Basic Health Survey, which found that 91% have a “Good” or “Excellent” Work Ability Index. There is a high proportion of employees with chronic diseases and obesity. In addition, 36% of employees consume sweet drinks daily, while only 16% and 37% consume two servings of fruits and vegetables a day respectively. Recommendations were made related to the safety and health management system, and health promotion such as improving access to healthy food, facilitating physical activity during work, and implementing a chronic disease management system. These recommendations would be implemented from January 2017 onwards.

Conclusion Total WSH is effective in enabling the holistic management of safety and health in the workplace.