While most workplace hazards are visible, some disguise themselves as particles in the air. You may not be able to see them, but they cause just as much, sometimes even more, harm than other immediate dangers. The hidden dangers of these airborne hazards make respiratory protection vital. But what is respiratory protection? That is one […]
In 2020, businesses across the US responded to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic by enhancing their plans for infection preparedness and response, protecting essential employees, and reducing disruption to operations. As we move forward into this new year and continue adjusting to the new normal, it is critical to ensure injury prevention and well-being initiatives remain a priority—especially in times of uncertainty.
With 2020 coming to an end, many of us look to replace our old work boots with shoes that have foot arch support or at least give our feet some rest over the holiday season. The following BIOKINETIX guide on the kinetic chain and proper care provides some helpful tips to keep your feet feeling […]
There is certainly truth to the phrase, “sitting is the new smoking”. Millions of employees spend the majority of their work day in a seated position, whether it be in a vehicle or at a desk. The problem is that our bodies are built to be upright. The quadriceps, gluteals, hamstrings, low back muscles, and pelvic stabilizers all function to help us move and support our own weight. When these muscle groups aren’t being activated, this can lead to muscular asymmetry and improper posture, causing soreness or discomfort to the low back.
The current global pandemic has presented safety professionals around the world with a unique set of challenges. While there seems to be an abundance of resources out there concerning ergonomics for a remote workforce, it’s important—now more than ever— not to overlook all the other aspects of Total Worker Health, such as emotional well-being and physical activity levels. A sudden shift in work environment tends to feel disruptive, and for many employees, this might mean having to restructure a daily routine that may have been the same for years up until this point.
Managing obesity among the working population has remained a pressing issue for employers. The relationship between obesity, work, and health status is complex. In addition to direct health risks such as type II diabetes, heart disease, and osteoarthritis, obesity exacts far-reaching consequences on an occupational level with increasing medical expenditures, lost time, and presenteeism.
The benefits of positive health behaviors, such as consistent physical activity or a balanced diet, are well documented. General knowledge dictates that one should exercise and eat plenty of leafy greens; the problem, however, seems to be getting people from “should” to “will”. Public health initiatives aside, this continues to be a particular area of concern for U.S. employers. Countless occupational health studies have shown that only a small percentage of working-age Americans incorporate these behaviors into their lifestyle. In a particularly revealing observation, one researcher described workers as “influenced by feelings of personal wellbeing rather than by health outcomes,” and that “health was viewed as a predetermined destiny that was outside the individual’s personal control [1].”
As chronic health and musculoskeletal conditions continue to grow, today’s workforce faces formidable barriers to productivity and well-being. Over two-thirds of U.S. companies have attempted to address this phenomenon by investing in occupational wellness programs. Some focus solely on individual initiatives, such as weight loss or smoking cessation, while others provide health screening. Few, however, are sustainable. The RAND Workplace Wellness Programs Study found that on average, wellness programs only save $1.50 per employer-invested dollar. While certain programs deliver more favorable results—such as BIOKINETIX, with an average ROI of 6 to 1—they remain statistical outliers. With so much at risk, why do most wellness programs yield relatively low returns?
August is National Immunization Awareness Month—a timely reminder that flu season is only a few months away. For occupational safety and health leaders, a proactive approach is the key to sustaining workplace illness prevention: to anticipate and prepare for risks before they even happen. Not only does mitigating the risk of exposure to infectious diseases in the workplace ensure that employees will be less likely to get themselves and their families sick, it also protects productivity and minimizes lost work time.
For decades, exercising has been associated with a myriad of physical benefits such as strength, agility, weight loss, longevity, and overall health. But what’s often missing from general knowledge is the fact that the benefits of working out extend to another important aspect of quality-of-life: cognitive function. From elevating mood to preserving long-term memory, exercise is proven to lend both brains and brawn to those who take part in it consistently.