Integrating mandatory occupational health practice and workplace health promotion programs to reduce the high burden of work-related diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of illness and death globally, imposing a significant burden on healthcare systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated healthcare inequalities, potentially amplifying the burden of CVDs in certain populations. Sedentary occupations and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary heart disease, contributing to elevated mortality rates from CVDs. Occupational risk assessment and management are crucial for developing tailored plans to control and mitigate workplace hazards that lead to occupational and work-related diseases. Long working hours have been linked to an increased risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease diminish individuals' quality of life and have negative employment consequences. Workplace health promotion programs (WHPs) focusing on healthy lifestyle behaviors have shown positive effects in reducing the incidence of T2DM, CVDs, and mental and musculoskeletal health issues. Aging, sedentary lifestyles, prolonged working hours, physical inactivity, poor diets, and high occupational stress contribute to MetS and subsequent CVDs, emphasizing the need for attention from occupational stakeholders. Implementing interventions such as promoting physical activity, stress management techniques, and flexible work arrangements can help reduce occupational stress levels and combat sedentary work environments. Embedding workplace health promotion within medical surveillance (WHPEMS) offers an economical, sustainable, and effective approach to improving health outcomes. Involving workers in health promotion interventions during regular medical check-ups provides an opportunity for targeted interventions. Occupational health programs, mandatory in the European Union, can be utilized to educate workers on healthier lifestyles and develop tailored WHPs. The Total Worker Health approach, involving cooperation between occupational and public health stakeholders, plays a vital role in achieving comprehensive workplace health promotion.

Keywords

• occupational health surveillance
• occupational diseases
• workplace health promotion
• total worker health
• one health