Staying Healthy in the Construction Industry
Working in the construction industry can often take its toll on the human body. Working long hours, putting your body through tough manual tasks and working in harsh weather conditions are just some of the factors that can wear your body down over time. Unfortunately, studies show that construction workers do not follow the healthiest lifestyles either and are more likely to smoke, be overweight and drink dangerous levels of alcohol compared to the average population. Living a healthy lifestyle both inside and outside of work can not only improve your physical health but also your mental health.
Staying Healthy in Construction: The Don’ts
Before we take a look at the things you should be doing to stay active and healthy, let’s look at some of the things you should try steering away from that harm your physical and mental health.
- Smoking: Although the health risks of smoking are very common knowledge, there is still a very high number of construction workers who smoke. It increases your risk of cancer, lung disease, heart disease, strokes, gum disease and reduces fertility. The cost of cigarettes has also significantly increased due to taxes so as well as a lasting negative impact on your health it will also burn a significant hole in your wallet.
- Drinking Alcohol: Unofficial studies have shown that there is no better taste after 12 hours working in the sun than the taste of a cold beer, that is just fact. But reducing your alcoholic intake can have numerous health benefits including better sleep, reduced stress, more energy, weight loss and healthier skin. It will also leave you with more money in your bank account to spend on the things you actually need (…maybe a new pair of underwear to replace the current ones with holes in them). So next time you feel like grabbing a beer after work maybe think about that zero or mid-strength option and enjoy the benefits it brings.
- Mental Health: If you’re suffering from anxiety, depression, or experiencing workplace bullying, don’t hold it all in and keep it to yourself, speak about it. Holding everything in adds to the pressure we feel. Simply having someone listen to how we feel can release pent-up emotions.
The Do’s:
Now that we’ve had a quick look at some of the things you should avoid to try stay healthy in the construction industry it’s time to take a look at some of the things you should do.
- Exercise: Although fitting time in your day to exercise can be difficult, the health benefits that come with exercise are never-ending. Whether that be going for a run, lifting weights, riding a bike, a gym glass or even just getting out for a walk, exercise big or small will have a positive impact on your health. Weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles and reduced stress are just some of the numerous benefits you will see from regular exercise.
- Diet: Following a healthy, well-balanced diet will help you manage your weight and make sure you are eating the right foods and not overindulging in takeaway food and sweet snacks. By planning your meals for the week you will be less likely to pick breakfast and lunch up from the servo on the way to work or running to the pie shop on your smoko. Avoid drinking fizzy or drinks with high amounts of sugar and swap out that chocolate bar for some fruit or nuts.
- Drink Water: On average health professionals recommend people should be drinking three litres of water a day. This will vary from person to person but for construction workers, this number will significantly increase when they are working outside in hot conditions. Start the day by drinking a glass of water as soon as you get up and before you leave the house to ensure you start the day hydrated. Ensure you have access to water and are drinking regularly throughout the day, especially when you are carrying out labour-intensive tasks. Keep in mind that by the time you are thirsty, you are already about two percent dehydrated and once you are dehydrated, it’s difficult to make up for that lost hydration.
- Sleep: After a long hard day on site this shouldn’t be hard but ensure you are getting at least eight hours of sleep each night. Sleep helps your body recharge and recover for the next day and minimises fatigue.
Healthy Labour Hire
Our worker’s health, safety and well being are a priority at HLH Group, both onsite and in the office and we encourage all workers to live as active and healthy lifestyles as they can. If you’re looking to hire or join a healthy labour hire team then give us a call now on +61 2 8985 2019 or contact us online for more.
