Construction work is physically demanding, and a balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining worker health and wellbeing. However, access to fresh fruits and vegetables can be limited for construction workers who are often on the go and don’t have access to healthy food options on the jobsite. Providing fruits and vegetables on construction jobsites can have a significant positive impact on worker mental health and wellbeing.
Studies have shown that a diet high in fruits and vegetables is linked to improved mental health outcomes, including reduced stress and anxiety. Additionally, poor nutrition has been linked to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher rates of injury and illness, all of which can negatively impact worker mental health and wellbeing.
Implementation of this intervention can be achieved through various methods. Employers can partner with local farmers or produce suppliers to provide fresh fruits and vegetables on the jobsite. Employers can also set up a small garden or greenhouse on the jobsite to grow fresh produce for workers to consume.
To ensure the success of providing fruits and vegetables on construction jobsites, employers can use behavioral science principles such as choice architecture and positive reinforcement. Choice architecture is the practice of influencing behavior by changing the environment in which decisions are made. By making fruits and vegetables the default option and placing them in easily accessible areas, workers are more likely to choose them over less healthy options. Positive reinforcement, such as offering rewards for choosing healthy options, can also encourage workers to make healthier choices.
Additionally, employers can educate workers about the benefits of a healthy diet and provide resources such as recipes and cooking classes to help them incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their meals.
Furthermore, providing fruits and vegetables on construction jobsites can have additional benefits for the construction project itself. A healthier workforce is less likely to experience illness or injury, resulting in fewer absences and increased productivity.
Providing fruits and vegetables on construction jobsites is a simple but effective intervention for promoting mental health and wellbeing among construction workers. By using behavioral science principles and offering resources and incentives, employers can encourage workers to make healthier choices and ultimately improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Sources:
Smith, A. P., & Rogers, R. (2018). Positive effects of a healthy snack (fruit) versus an unhealthy snack (chocolate/crisps) on subjective reports of mental and physical health: A preliminary intervention study. Frontiers in nutrition, 5, 72.
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Wansink, B. (2006). Mindless eating: Why we eat more than we think. New York: Bantam Books.
Kristal, A. R., Peters, U., & Potter, J. D. (2005). Is it time to abandon the food frequency questionnaire?. Cancer epidemiology and prevention biomarkers, 14(12), 2826-2828.
