The construction industry is notorious for the high-risk and physically demanding nature of work, which can have adverse effects on workers’ mental and physical health. Therefore, having healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, physicians, or sports medicine professionals on construction jobsites can significantly benefit workers’ mental health and wellbeing.
Research shows that workplace health programs that offer health promotion, disease prevention, and other wellness interventions can improve workers’ health and reduce healthcare costs. Moreover, workplace health programs that include physical activity and movement can also improve mental health outcomes. Healthcare professionals can help workers identify and address physical and mental health issues that may affect their performance and wellbeing.
Implementation of this intervention can be achieved through various methods, such as partnering with healthcare providers, offering health and wellness programs, and providing regular health screenings. Employers can also offer flexible scheduling that allows workers to attend appointments with healthcare professionals without disrupting their workday.
To ensure the success of having healthcare professionals on construction jobsites, employers can use behavioral science principles such as the self-determination theory and the job demands-resources model. Self-determination theory suggests that individuals are more likely to engage in behavior that aligns with their values and desires. Therefore, employers can emphasize the benefits of physical and mental health and provide opportunities for workers to engage in health-promoting activities that align with their values.
The job demands-resources model suggests that workers’ mental health and wellbeing are influenced by job demands and job resources. Employers can reduce job demands by offering flexibility in scheduling, reducing physical strain, and providing breaks. Additionally, employers can increase job resources by offering access to healthcare professionals, mental health services, and wellness programs.
Having healthcare professionals on construction jobsites can have a significant positive impact on workers’ mental health and wellbeing. By providing access to healthcare professionals and wellness programs, workers can address physical and mental health issues that may affect their performance and wellbeing. By using behavioral science principles and providing job resources, employers can ensure the success of this intervention.
Sources:
Linnan, L. A., Cluff, L., Lang, J. E., Penne, M., & Leff, M. (2002). Results of the workplace health in America survey. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 44(5), 425-434.
Raghupathi, W., & Raghupathi, V. (2018). An empirical study of chronic diseases in the United States: A visual analytics approach to public health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(3), 431.
Steptoe, A., & Kivimäki, M. (2013). Stress and cardiovascular disease: An update on current knowledge. Annual Review of Public Health, 34, 337-354.
Van den Broeck, A., Vansteenkiste, M., De Witte, H., & Lens, W. (2008). Explaining the relationships between job characteristics, burnout, and engagement: The role of basic psychological need satisfaction. Work & Stress, 22(3), 277-294.
World Health Organization. (2019). Mental health in the workplace. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mental_health/in_the_workplace/en/
