Dealing with health risks in the workplace

Health risks in the workplace

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) defines work-related health risks as follows: "Health damage that would not have occurred if the work had not been performed." The definition helps determine to what extent the work or working conditions are the cause of the complaint and what measures reduce the complaint.

Every year, about 15,000 to 400,000 workers report sick due to workplace health injuries. From psychological complaints (over 6%) to musculoskeletal disorders, from hearing impairment to skin disease. Work-related health problems involve over 1.2 billion in costs annually. A high amount that needs to be reduced. Last month an article appeared in Trouw about the annual percentage (70%) of company doctors who do not report occupational diseases. While there are plenty of opportunities to treat disorders and, even better, opportunities that reduce their risk. The number of occupational diseases must and can be reduced, but how?

Know the industry

The construction, education, financial and healthcare sectors have an increased risk of long-term absenteeism due to work-related health risks. An important fact from the report "Occupational Diseases in Figures 2014.

• Construction sector. The work-related absenteeism rate in the construction industry is between 39 and 72%. The majority struggle with posture and musculoskeletal complaints. It is also the most common occupational risk in the industrial sector, transportation and warehousing. Complaints indicating RSI, tennis elbow and back pain occur regularly in these sectors. These are complaints that can be preventively detected and effectively remedied. In addition, about 38% struggle with noise-induced hearing loss. Noisy machines, consistent hearing protection and other aids can reduce this occupational risk.
• Education & Financial Sector. Work-related absenteeism in the education and financial sectors ranges between 6 and 12%. The risk of being overworked or burnout is higher in these sectors than in other industries. Over 77% of occupational complaints contain symptoms of overwork or burnout. This percentage is predicted to increase in the coming years. Problems with work content, the volume of work and a complicated relationship between employees are cited as causes. Especially in the financial sector, the risk of psychological work-related risks is higher. Preventive detection of work stress and personal counseling for psychological complaints is needed to reduce the number of psychological complaints.
• Healthcare sector. Work-related absenteeism in the healthcare sector is between 6 and 9%. Work pressure, physical strain and lack of control options are the main causes. By lack of control options we mean the ability to determine the pace of work. In addition, healthcare personnel face irregular shifts. These shifts increase the chances of higher work pressure, longer working days and overtiredness. The chance of long-term absenteeism is therefore higher in the healthcare sector than in other sectors.

Recognize psychological symptoms

The number of mental health complaints is on the rise. In 2013, the number of mental health complaints increased by 6% from a year earlier. Especially young people under the age of 25 report suffering from work stress, which increases the risk of overwork or burnout. Absenteeism is expected to increase in this target group. The prevention or timely detection of psychological complaints is therefore more than necessary. Such complaints are more complex than physical complaints, so the recovery process takes longer. The problem lies mainly in how the complaint(s) are handled. Two thirds of employees with psychological complaints continue to work. People hardly relate the complaints to work, so they put less energy into leisure activities. A missed opportunity, given that relaxation promotes the speed of recovery.

Understanding health

Employers are required to offer a preventive medical examination (PME) to its employees. A number of employers comply. In the construction industry, for example, the risk of occupational hazards for each employee is mapped annually and reported to the NCvB. The report "Occupational diseases in figures 2014" shows that 91% of occupational diseases in the construction sector emerged during a PME. In contrast, the other sectors are missing opportunities. A study by the bureau Panteia shows that only 11 percent of all employers in the Netherlands offer their employees a preventive medical examination on their own initiative. Reducing absenteeism, increasing productivity and reducing occupational diseases requires insight into employee health. Insight that encourages a healthier lifestyle.