Workplace Health Promotion and the Blue Collar Worker

Considerable evidence supports the claim that blue collar workers are at risk in terms of their health. Health promoting lifestyles have improved in the white collar segment of western society, but behaviors such as physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, and alcohol and drug abuse have increased in blue collar groups. Perceived health status is known to be associated with positive health behaviors. Management must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the support of health promotion activities and consider restructuring the work environment to encourage health promotion behaviors.