Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and construction workers are at a higher risk due to their exposure to environmental toxins and physical exertion. As a preventative measure, free kidney checks provided by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) can serve as an effective wellbeing intervention to detect early signs of CKD, ultimately benefiting the workers’ mental health and wellbeing.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, 37 million people in the United States have CKD, and most don’t even know they have it. Early detection and treatment of CKD can prevent or delay the progression of the disease, reducing the risk of kidney failure and other associated health complications. The NKF offers free kidney checks, including a simple blood test and urine analysis, to help identify potential kidney problems in their early stages.
Construction companies can partner with the NKF to organize kidney check events on the jobsite, creating a convenient and accessible opportunity for workers to get screened. The implementation of this intervention not only shows the company’s commitment to their employees’ health and wellbeing but also promotes a culture of preventative health care.
The Behavioral Economics principle of “nudges” can be employed to encourage participation in the kidney check events. Nudges can be as simple as providing a sign-up sheet at the entrance of the worksite, adding a reminder to the daily safety briefing, or offering incentives such as a free healthy meal or a raffle ticket for attending the check-up event. Such simple behavioral interventions can significantly increase the number of workers who participate in the free kidney checks, improving early detection rates and ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
Construction workers are vital to the economy, and their physical and mental wellbeing should be a priority for employers. Early detection and treatment of CKD can improve overall health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The implementation of free kidney checks from the National Kidney Foundation on construction jobsites can serve as a preventative measure, improving the workers’ health and wellbeing, and promoting a culture of health and safety.
Sources:
- National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Chronic Kidney Disease. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/about-chronic-kidney-disease
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2015). Construction Workers. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/construction/default.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Chronic Kidney Disease Surveillance System. https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/surveillance/index.html
