At Black & McDonald, the Energy Wheel was introduced as part of their Energy-Based Safety initiative—a powerful tool designed to help workers identify and control hazards by recognizing different forms of energy present in the workplace. But what if we took that same concept and applied it to our personal health and wellness?
Let’s explore how the Energy Wheel can be transformed into a Health Energy Wheel—a visual and practical guide to understanding the various “energies” that influence our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
What Is the Energy Wheel?
Originally developed to improve hazard recognition on industrial worksites, the Energy Wheel identifies 10 types of energy that can cause injury—from gravity and motion to pressure and temperature. The idea is simple: every incident is the result of uncontrolled energy interacting with the human body.
This concept, pioneered by injury prevention scholar Dr. William Haddon, has been shown to improve hazard recognition by up to 30%. But beyond safety, it offers a compelling framework for understanding how different forces—both external and internal—impact our health.
Introducing the Health Energy Wheel
In the context of health, we can reinterpret the Energy Wheel to reflect the key domains that influence our overall wellness. Here’s how:
1. Gravity
Health Lens: Posture, ergonomics, and fall prevention.
Are you protecting your body from strain and injury due to poor alignment or unsafe environments?
2. Motion
Health Lens: Physical activity and movement.
Are you incorporating enough motion into your day to support cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health?
3. Pressure
Health Lens: Stress and mental load.
Are you managing internal and external pressures in a way that supports mental well-being?
4. Temperature
Health Lens: Thermal comfort and hydration.
Are you staying cool, warm, and hydrated enough to maintain optimal body function?
5. Radiation
Health Lens: Sun exposure and screen time.
Are you protecting your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays and blue light?
6. Chemical
Health Lens: Nutrition, medication, and environmental toxins.
Are you aware of what you’re putting in and, on your body, —and how it affects your health?
7. Biological
Health Lens: Immune health and hygiene.
Are you taking steps to prevent illness and support your body’s natural defenses?
8. Electrical
Health Lens: Device use and EMF exposure.
Are you balancing technology use with unplugged time to support sleep and mental clarity?
9. Sound
Health Lens: Noise pollution and auditory health.
Are you protecting your hearing and creating quiet spaces for focus and recovery?
10. Mechanical
Health Lens: Body mechanics and repetitive strain.
Are you using proper techniques in movement and lifting to avoid injury?
Just like in safety, recognizing these energies helps us take proactive steps to protect and enhance our health. When one energy source becomes overwhelming or neglected, it can lead to burnout, illness, or emotional distress.
By scanning your life through the lens of the Health Energy Wheel, you can identify areas that need attention and implement small, meaningful changes—whether it’s setting boundaries at work, prioritizing sleep, or reconnecting with loved ones.
The Energy Wheel isn’t just a safety tool—it’s a mindset. By recognizing the energies that shape our health, we empower ourselves to live more intentionally, more vibrantly, and more safely.
Resources:
Safety Differently at Black & McDonald – Black & McDonald
