scholarly journals Constructing better health and wellbeing? Understanding structural constraints on promoting health and wellbeing in the UK construction industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 146-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esmée Sinéad Hanna ◽  
Steven Markham
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structural Constraints ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose The construction industry has high rates of work-related ill health. Whilst there have been more recent calls for a “health like safety” narrative within the industry, health has still predominantly been viewed via health risks rather than a more holistic conceptualisation of health and well-being. The workplace is viewed as a fruitful site for health promotion work, yet we know little about the possibilities and promise of health promotion within the construction industry. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This paper explores the views of stakeholders with health-related roles and responsibilities within the UK construction industry. From the 21 semi-structured qualitative interviews, thematic analysis was conducted and two key themes emerged: the construction industry as anti-health promoting and understanding industry-specific health issues. Findings The construction industry faces significant constraint in attempting to promote better health and well-being due to its makeup, yet the health and well-being issues of the industry notably stress, and early retirement are major issues for both the industry and individuals. Practical implications The authors argue that only through understanding the structural constraints of the industry in this way can the possibilities and potentials for undertaking health promotion work be fully embedded within the industry in order to help create meaningful change for both employees and the industry as a whole. Originality/value This paper offers insight into the challenges that exist within construction for promoting positive employee health and well-being and takes an in-depth approach to exploring why health promotion may not be occurring within the industry.

scholarly journals Boosting urban health and well-being through cross-sectoral cooperation

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Liinamo ◽  
K Matinheikki-Kokko ◽  
I Gobina ◽  
A Villeruša
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Baltic Sea ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Self ◽  
The Baltic Sea ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Baltic Sea Region ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract In the future, health promotion would require developed strategies that lead to stronger cross-sectoral cooperation. Cross-sectoral cooperation enables the integration of fragmented resources and competencies, which benefit service solutions for urban health. Healthy Boost “Urban Labs for Better Health for All in the Baltic Sea Region”, funded by the EU Interreg Baltic Sea Region -program, aims to develop the Model for cross-sectoral cooperation, which will be tested in the cities of the Baltic Sea Region during 2020-21. The self-assessment tool for cross-sectoral cooperation was developed, and the self-assessment among the nine cities in seven countries from the Baltic Sea Region was conducted in 2019. The results indicated to what extent the staff (n = 329) in the cities have recognized the cross-sectoral cooperation for health and wellbeing as strategically crucial in their policies, communication, and in the design of their organizational functions. The daily practices were evaluated in terms of how systematically cities have implemented cross-sector actions for health and wellbeing. The biggest challenges for cooperating across sectors for the cities were coordination and systematic identification of the community needs for health promotion. The cooperative actions were less systematic than expected in the strategic approach. The variation among respondents' assessments was high within the cities that lead to a conclusion about existing gaps in coordination, communication, and leadership of cross-sectoral work within the cities. The Likert type self-assessment measurement was statistically reliable in both strategic and operational dimensions of cooperation. Key messages Evaluation and measurements are needed to identify cross-sectoral actions to health and well-being. The evidence-based Model developed in the Healthy Boost project will guide partners towards systematic cross-sectoral cooperation processes.

Micro‐enterprise:

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sian Lockwood
Keyword(s):  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Case ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore the potential of micro‐enterprises to assist local health and well‐being boards in delivering their strategies, especially in relation to tackling health inequalities, prevention and community support.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on experience gained by Community Catalysts from its work supporting social care and health micro‐enterprise across the UK. There has been little formal research into social care and health micro‐enterprise and so the paper relies heavily on data gathered by Community Catalysts in the course of its work and uses local case studies to illustrate points.FindingsThe paper explains the importance of social care and health micro‐enterprise to the work of health and well being boards, emphasising its potential to help tackle health inequalities and contribute to effective health and well‐being strategies.Originality/valueThere are no examples as yet of imaginative health and well‐being boards engaging effectively with micro‐providers, but boards can draw on learning from local authorities actively stimulating and supporting local micro‐enterprise.

scholarly journals A field survey of hand–arm vibration exposure in the UK utilities sector

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 2179-2198 ◽  
Author(s):  
David John Edwards ◽  
Iain Rillie ◽  
Nicholas Chileshe ◽  
Joesph Lai ◽  
M. Reza Hosseini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

PurposeExcessive exposure to HAV can lead to hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) which is a major health and well-being issue that can irreparably damage the neurological, vascular and muscular skeletal system. This paper reports upon field research analysis of the hand–arm vibration (HAV) exposure levels of utility workers in the UK construction sector when operating hand-held vibrating power tools.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical epistemological lens was adopted to analyse primary quantitative data on the management of hand-held tool trigger times (seconds) collected from field studies. To augment the analysis further, an interpretivist perspective was undertaken to qualitatively analyse interviews held with the participating company's senior management team after field study results. This approach sought to provide further depth and perspective on the emergent numerical findings.FindingsThe findings reveal that none of the operatives were exposed above the exposure limit value (ELV) and that 91.07% resided under the exposure action value (EAV). However, the Burr four parameter probability model (which satisfied the Anderson–Darling, Kolmogorov–Smirnov and chi-squared goodness of fit tests at α 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 levels of significance) illustrated that given the current data distribution pattern, there was a 3% likelihood that the ELV will be exceeded. Model parameters could be used to: forecast the future probability of HAV exposure levels on other utility contracts and provide benchmark indicators to alert senior management to pending breaches of the ELV.Originality/valueHAV field trials are rarely conducted within the UK utilities sector, and the research presented is the first to develop probability models to predict the likelihood of operatives exceeding the ELV based upon field data. Findings presented could go some way to preserving the health and well-being of workers by ensuing that adequate control measures implemented (e.g. procuring low vibrating tools) mitigate the risk posed.

Implementing health promotion programs in the Australian construction industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Loudoun ◽  
Keith Townsend
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Promotion Programs ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify possible agents and levers to trigger the development and implementation of work place health promotion programs (WHPPs) in the Australian construction industry. Unlike most large workplaces and most high-risk workplaces, these programs are rarely found in the construction sector. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative interviews with 80 trades workers and site-based and off-site construction managers are used to reveal perceptions of the impact of WHPPs and ill-health and poor health behaviors on site activities with a view to identifying leverage points to introduce WHPPs in construction. Findings Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are seen as impacting on sites in three main ways: productivity (broadly defined), safety and interpersonal relations. Results also reveal specific roles and levers for different actors in the supply chain and a clear desire for a collective, industry-based response to identified health problems. Practical implications High levels of chronic diseases in the construction industry means firms within the sector must make a concerted attempt to change patterns of behavior or face significant long-term health implications for their workforce. Reducing levels of health and longevity of the workforce, mean work performance, productivity and participation is likely to decline. Originality/value Although construction workers are recognized as one of the workforces at most risk for life limiting diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, relatively little work has investigated health and well-being considerations for construction workers. This study contributes by investigating possible levers and agents to create healthier workplaces in construction.

scholarly journals Occupational stress management for UK construction professionals

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 819-832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saheed O. Ajayi ◽  
William Jones ◽  
Maria Unuigbe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Duration ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose The increasing awareness of stress as an issue in the construction industry, and the increased realisation of the more effective approach of preventing stress as opposed to treating mental health, has placed a great responsibility on industries that rely heavily on the performance of their workforce. In line with this, this paper aims to investigate the causes of stress and the best strategies for improving professional resilience and stress management proficiency in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Using exploratory sequential mixed method research design, the top factors that cause stress, mitigate stress and build resilience are identified and discussed. Findings The findings show thematic similarities in the causes of stress, by displaying a reoccurring theme relating to the quality and lack of information, as well as poor communication among the construction professionals. This implies that poor collaboration and “over-the-wall syndrome” of the construction industry does not only contribute to defective output and reworks, it also has significant impacts on the health and well-being of the professionals. Recommendations are made on how to mitigate stress in the industry, by addressing its root-causes and implementing the identified mitigation strategies. This includes a realistic approach to budgeting and project duration, as well as improved communication and collaboration. Originality/value Finding of this study could help in mitigating stress and mental health concerns that are currently plaguing the construction industry.

A systematic review of factors influencing the implementation of health promotion programs in the construction industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Fuller ◽  
Abid Hasan ◽  
Imriyas Kamardeen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Health Promotion Programs

PurposeThe construction industry has a poor reputation for an unhealthy lifestyle and a high prevalence of health problems such as obesity, stress and hypertension among construction workers. The review examines the factors influencing the design and delivery of health promotion programs implemented by construction organisations to educate workers and promote a healthy lifestyle. It also identifies gaps in research and practices and proposes directions for future research.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review of 51 relevant journal articles published during 2010–2019 was undertaken to achieve the aim of the study.FindingsThe review reveals 46 different factors grouped into four major themes related to individuals, organisations, industry and the program, influencing the successful implementation of health promotion programs. The top ten most cited factors are cost, time, facilities and resources, transient workforce, delivery method, influence from managers, long working hours, masculine culture, production pressure and interest. The review also found a noticeable lack of studies on implementing health promotion programs in the context of developing countries, small and medium-sized construction organisations, residential sector workers, and construction professionals and female workers.Research limitations/implicationsThe review's scope is limited to research on health promotion programs, and it did not investigate the factors affecting the health of construction workers in construction projects.Practical implicationsA better understanding of various influencing factors present at different decision levels will inform the future implementation of targeted workforce health promotion strategies to foster construction workers' health and well-being.Originality/valueThe review reveals bottlenecks that need to be addressed to successfully implement health promotion programs in the construction industry. It provides new insights that can improve existing health and workplace policies and health promotion programs in the construction industry. Finally, it identifies new research directions in a neglected but crucial area of workers' health and safety management.

scholarly journals Private needs, public responses: vulnerable people’s flood-disrupted mobility

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 244-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Christie ◽  
Liza Griffin ◽  
Natalie Chan ◽  
John Twigg ◽  
Helena Titheridge
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Informal Networks ◽  
Strong Response ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transport Services ◽  
Vulnerable People ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Negative Feelings

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of vulnerable people during flood events, impacts of changes in mobility on well-being and the extent to which frontline services, emergency planning officers and other service providers allocate resources for vulnerable members of the community to meet the challenges posed by floods. Design/methodology/approach – In-depth qualitative interviews carried out with 15 vulnerable residents, seven community representatives and eight service providers. Findings – Vulnerable people’s well-being was negatively affected by the disruption to travel caused by floods, though support from the community to some extent redressed these negative feelings. Whilst there seems to be a strong response from both the community and the local authorities to the mobility needs of vulnerable people during floods, what seems to be missing is an equal response from the private sector in terms of provision of transport services to access goods such as food and money. Practical implications – More needs to be done to make sure that communication and support networks are formalised to address the potential unevenness of informal networks. Private companies need to engage more with customers. Improved information and more resilient services such as 4×4 vehicles and doorstep provision of goods and money would directly support vulnerable people who are highly dependent on their services. Originality/value – This study is the first in the UK to explore and compare the private experiences of vulnerable people with the views of stakeholders who could support them during floods.

scholarly journals Work-related wellbeing in UK prison officers: a benchmarking approach

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail Kinman ◽  
Andrew James Clements ◽  
Jacqui Hart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stress Indicator ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Psychosocial Hazards ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the well-being of UK prison officers by utilising a benchmarking approach. Design/methodology/approach The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Stress Indicator Tool is widely used in the UK to assess key psychosocial hazards in the workplace encompassing demands, control, support from managers and co-workers, relationship quality, role and change management. This study utilises this approach to examine the extent to which a sample of UK prison officers meets the HSE recommended minimum standards for the management of work-related well-being. Levels of mental health and job satisfaction in the sector are also assessed using measures with extensive occupational norms. The psychosocial hazards that make the strongest contribution to mental health and job satisfaction are also considered. Findings Respondents reported lower levels of well-being for all of the hazard categories than recommended. Moreover, mental health and job satisfaction were considerably poorer among prison officers than other occupational groups within the emergency and security services in the UK. Considerable variation was found in the psychosocial hazards that predicted mental health and job satisfaction. Practical implications The high levels of stressors and strains experienced by UK prison officers gives serious cause for concern. Priority areas for interventions to enhance well-being in the sector are considered and areas for future research discussed. Originality/value This study highlights the wide-ranging benefits of a benchmarking approach to investigate work-related stressors and strains at the sector level.

Influence of job demands, job control and social support on information systems professionals' psychological well‐being

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 513-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter E.D. Love ◽  
Zahir Irani ◽  
Craig Standing ◽  
Marinos Themistocleous
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Job Strain ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Worker Health ◽  
Is Professionals ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the predictive capabilities of the job strain model (JSM) on information systems (IS) professionals.Design/methodology/approachThe JSM is tested by investigating whether perceived work demands, job control and social support can predict IS employee's psychological well‐being in terms of worker health and job satisfaction. A questionnaire survey, which contained valid and reliable scales for the aforementioned constructs, was completed by 89 respondents.FindingsThe results indicate that the JSM can be used to significantly predict employee's psychological well‐being in terms of worker health and job satisfaction among the IS professionals sampled in the UK. Contrary to previous research, however, non‐work related support was found to be more significant than work support in alleviating psychological strain.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings presented are not generalisable to the wider population of IS professionals in the UK due the small sample size. Thus, research involving additional samples is needed to ensure the appropriate generalisation of the results.While there have been limited studies that have examined occupational stress among IS professionals, it is anticipated that further studies that are conducted using the JSM will be able to determine the boundaries of generalisability.Originality/valueThe model was found to significantly predict employee's psychological well‐being in terms of worker health and job satisfaction among the IS professionals sampled in the UK. For the specific sample, the JSM captured the key characteristics that contributed to the job strain that they experienced. With the exception of non‐work related social support, the results support previous studies that examined the predictive capacity of the JSM.

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