54 Food insecurity as a worsening occupational hazard

When asking the question “what topics are most pertinent to worker health and safety?” many respond with topics like heat, training, fall protection, etc. Very few will respond with food insecurity as a topic; however, internationally food security has been on the rise due to factors like conflict and climate change that are exacerbating the issue. This session explores the role that nutrition plays on cognitive and physical function and how the workplace is impacted by worker nutritional status. After establishing the impact that nutrition has on the workplace, the session dives deeper to discern how the rising rates of food insecurity could impact the changing workplace through increases in worker injury. The session will implore individuals and companies to consider how food insecurity is impacting workers and the role of OEHS professionals to address it.