While safety hazards in construction often grab headlines, overall worker health is just as important. Since February is Heart Health Month, it’s worth noting that, according to the American Heart Association, 1 in 25 construction workers has been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Factors such as long hours, high stress, poor nutrition, high tobacco use, and a lack of heart-strengthening exercise contribute to this statistic.
When workers are sick, productivity drops—affecting timelines, safety, and ultimately, profits. Contractors must raise awareness about heart health and its risk factors, making now the perfect time to take action.
Understanding the Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Construction
Several factors increase the risk of cardiovascular disease among construction workers:
Long Hours and Stress: Construction is a demanding job, often performed in extreme temperatures and physically strenuous conditions. Tight deadlines and job pressure further elevate stress levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Less-than-Optimal Nutrition: Limited access to healthy meals on job sites leads many workers to rely on fast food and vending machine snacks. According to the American College of Cardiology, ultra-processed foods—such as processed meats, sugar-sweetened drinks, and refined grains—are linked to increased heart disease risk and even death.
Tobacco Use: While smoking rates in the U.S. have declined by 22% since 2004, it remains prevalent in construction. The National Institutes of Health reports that over 25% of construction workers still smoke, and they are nearly twice as likely to use tobacco products compared to other industries.
Lack of Heart-Strengthening Exercise: Despite the physically demanding nature of construction, it doesn’t necessarily provide the aerobic activity needed for a healthy cardiovascular system. Brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling for at least 30 minutes, five times a week, is essential for heart health.
These risk factors mean that many workers may already be dealing with cardiovascular disease, which impacts not only their health but also the overall success of construction projects. Sick days, medical leave, and decreased focus on the job can negatively affect productivity, increase healthcare costs, and raise safety risks.
Strategies to Promote Heart Health
Improving heart health in the construction industry doesn’t require an operational overhaul—it’s about integrating small, meaningful changes that support worker well-being. Here are some actionable strategies:
Provide Heart-Healthy Meal Options
Many construction workers rely on high-sodium, high-fat convenience foods. Employers can help make healthier choices more accessible:
- Healthier Snack Choices: Stock break areas with nutritious options like fresh fruit, nuts, granola bars, and yogurt instead of chips and candy
- Partner with Food Vendors: Work with local food trucks or caterers to offer balanced meal options, such as salads, wraps, and grilled proteins
- Educational Materials: Post heart-healthy eating tips in common areas and share simple, nutritious recipes workers can prepare at home
Incorporate Wellness Programs
Making health a priority starts with making it accessible:
- On-Site Health Screenings: Offer periodic blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar screenings as early detection can help prevent more serious health issues
- Stress Management Resources: Provide tools like meditation apps, relaxation techniques, or short mindfulness workshops to help workers manage stress
- Health Challenges: Create friendly competitions, such as step challenges or hydration contests, to encourage team participation in healthy habits
Encourage Tobacco Cessation
Since smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, employers can support workers who want to quit:
- Provide Resources: Offer access to tobacco cessation programs, hotlines, or support apps
- Incentives for Quitting: Create rewards programs, such as small bonuses or gift cards, for workers who commit to staying tobacco-free
- Promote Smoke-Free Zones: Designate job sites as smoke-free or provide designated smoking areas away from main workspaces to reduce exposure for non-smokers
Promote Regular Exercise
While construction work is physically demanding, it doesn’t always provide the cardiovascular activity needed to strengthen the heart. Employers can encourage movement through:
- Stretching and Movement Breaks: Introduce optional 10-minute group stretch sessions during morning or lunch breaks to keep workers active
- Educational Workshops: Partner with fitness professionals to provide guidance on simple exercises workers can do at home or on-site
- Incentivize Activity: Offer rewards for workers who participate in fitness programs or reach activity milestones, such as achieving a daily step goal
Raise Awareness About Heart Health
Education is key to preventing cardiovascular disease:
- Toolbox Talks: Incorporate heart health topics into safety meetings, covering signs of a heart attack, hydration tips, and stress management techniques
- Visual Reminders: Use posters, infographics, or flyers in break rooms and job trailers to share quick, impactful information
- Resource Sharing: Provide links to websites, apps, and hotlines that offer heart health advice, healthy recipes, and exercise routines
By integrating these strategies into job sites, companies can foster a culture of health and wellness that benefits workers both on and off the clock. Healthy employees are safer, more productive, and better equipped to handle the physical demands of construction work.
This Heart Health Month, take the first step toward building strong hearts on your job sites.
Until next time…Work Safe & Be Safe! 🫀
