Health issues are a challenge for electricians, according to the findings of the third Annual ECIS Healthcheck.
The annual Healthcheck undertaken by ECIS, the employee benefits company for the construction industry, reveals that 31% of electricians have been affected by problems with their back, neck, arm, shoulder, hip, leg or knee in the past year.
If not treated promptly they could potentially lead to long term issues which may affect some electricians’ working ability and consequently, their future income. The most common action by 75% of respondents was to simply rest. Although encouragingly, 63% made a doctor’s appointment while 50% sought treatment from a physiotherapist or chiropractor.
The findings have also been reviewed alongside the latest data from the health assessments of over 1,200 electricians undertaken in 2015. With an average age of 47, the assessments show that some electricians do not always manage to find the time to exercise and some suffer from weight challenges, and higher than usual cholesterol and blood pressure. Above average blood pressure was found in 44% of electricians, and high cholesterol in 58%.
“With an average age of 47, the assessments show that some electricians do not always manage to find the time to exercise and some suffer from weight challenges, and higher than usual cholesterol and blood pressure.”
Vicki Leslie, Client Relationship Manager at ECIS, said: “It is good that so many electricians took up the opportunity in 2015 to have a health assessment as part of their membership of the JIB, although some aspects of the analysis of the assessments are a potential cause for concern.
“In addition, the health issues identified by the health assessments such as lack of exercise and high blood pressure go hand in hand, but can also be remedied with the right support and advice. Regular exercise has a number of benefits in reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
“We understand that finding time for exercise can be challenging but small steps in consultation with a health professional can empower electricians to focus on their health.”
