P22
TARGETED HEALTH INTERVENTIONS IN RAIL WORKERS: LEVERAGING HEALTH CHECK DATA FOR PROACTIVE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS
I.Masetti, M. Wronska
Transport for London, UK
Sickness absence is 4.8% higher in rail than the national average (RSSB, 2023) due to the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease caused by smoking, obesity, and hypertension in blue-collars (BHF, 2024). Reactive interventions often lack evidence and evaluation while preventative approaches, notably the NHS health checks, demonstrate long-term positive outcomes (Meredith, 2024).
This study demonstrates the use of health check data to inform targeted interventions. This approach guides future initiatives, ensuring investments in occupational health align with each workplace’s unique requirements and workplace risks.
H&W (health & wellbeing) assessments were conducted on a representative sample of 413 UK rail employees (males n=331; females n=82). The 1-2-1 assessments included physical (e.g., cholesterol), mental (e.g., WHO5), objective (e.g., BMI), subjective (e.g., lifestyle) measures. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics.
In total, 70% of employees were ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’; 45.8% had elevated blood pressure, most prevalent in depot workers; night workers showed highest mean glucose (6.25 mmol/L) and cholesterol (5.5 mmol/L) levels. Lifestyle factors revealed 15.5% smokers; 16.2% exceeding recommended alcohol intake; 73.3% lacked sufficient physical activity, and just 24.7% reported a balanced diet. 40% required GP referrals. Service utilization was 97%.
Results highlight concerning health outcomes among operational employees, particularly working shifts. High utilization suggests effectiveness in engaging employees, while GP referrals enable early identification of health issues. The aggregated data identifies specific needs and risks, allowing for targeted interventions. Rail companies should invest in H&W provisions to proactively address targeted health challenges, particularly amid primary service access issues.
References:
British Heart Foundation (2024). Early heart disease deaths rise to 14-year high. [online] www.bf.org.uk. Available at: https://www.bhf.otg.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2024/january/early-heart-disease-deaths-rise-to-14-year-high [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024]
Meredith, S. (2024). NHS Health Check Gets Big Bang for the Money. [online] Medscape UK. Available at: https://www.medscape.co.uk/viewarticle/nhs-health-check-gets-big-bang-money-2024a10001nv [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024]
Rail Safety and Standards Board (2023). Make cost savings by improving employee health and wellbeing. [online] www.rssb.co.uk. Available at: https://www.rssb.co.uk/about-rssb/insights-and-news/blogs/make-cost-savings-by-improving-employee-health-and-wellbeing [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024].
