Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for Injury Research and Policy published a study showing that a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight or obese range increased a worker’s risk of traumatic workplace injury. The study looked at more than 7,600 workers in eight different aluminum manufacturing plants over a two-year period. About 85 percent of the workers were overweight or obese and 34 percent were in the “most obese” category. About 29 percent of the factory workers suffered an injury during the study period, and 92 percent of the injuries happened to workers who were overweight or obese, with the risk increasing as BMI rose.
Another study, conducted by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin, found that obese men and women were more likely to suffer serious traumatic injury in front-end vehicle collisions than those who had a lower BMI. Other studies have shown that nurses with the highest BMIs have injury claim rates twice those of normal-weight nurses and that firefighters with a higher BMI suffer higher rates of lost-time injuries.
The latest research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) looked at a representative sample of U.S. workers. The previously mentioned studies tended to focus on a single industry or profession. NIOSH looked at over 1,000 workers who suffered a work-related injury between 2004 and 2012. Compared to normal-weight workers, overweight and obese workers were 25 to 68 percent more likely to experience injuries.
As a result of its research, NIOSH recommends that employers implement weight management programs and weight reduction policies targeted at overweight and obese workers as part of their initiatives to prevent or reduce workplace injuries.
Keep in mind that many wellness programs are well promoted and well supported among management, but less effectively communicated to rank-and-file workers. Employers should use a multi-level communications approach to get the word out about company-sponsored weight-loss programs – e-mail, text messages, phone calls, in-person meetings and flyers posted in common areas. It’s also important to make the program accessible. On-site options for exercise improve participation in weight loss and wellness programs and make it easier for employees to fit well-being programs within their day. Taking simple steps such as marking walking paths or stairwells that workers can use during breaks, and making exercise equipment available where drivers report at the beginning and end of their shifts, can encourage employees to move more. Employers can also provide convenient, healthy food options on-site, which makes it easy for employees to fuel up on nutritious food. Be sure to keep third shift workers in mind when you roll out your program – these individuals often have the hardest time keeping fit and eating well.
At Wellness Workdays, we work with a wide variety of companies -- from financial firms and universities to lumber yards and manufacturing companies. We know what it takes to engage a diverse range of employees in a wellness program. Contact us to learn more.
Source
Visit Wellness Workdays for more information about our worksite wellness programs.
No comments:
Post a Comment