An action research approach to improving construction workers’ health

Summary

Data regarding physical and mental health status were collected from construction and maintenance workers at participating worksites in Queensland before and after a health promotion program was introduced.

During the program, pulse measures of health behaviour were taken to evaluate the impact of program elements, including healthy eating, physical exercise and smoking cessation initiatives.

The research showed that the initiatives were favourably received but did not measurably change workers’ health behaviour. Systemic factors associated with work hours, weekend work, commuting time and concerns about job security had the greatest impact on workers’ health behaviour and subjective health.

Team

  • Helen Lingard
  • Michelle Turner
  • Nick Blismas
  • Ron Wakefield

Partners

  • Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General

Testimonial

The RMIT research gave Workplace Health and Safety Queensland an insight into what factors really impact on the health and wellbeing of construction workers and gives a clear direction on what good practice looks like.

Peer-reviewed papers/outputs

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.