HOBSONS Bay workers smoke more, have higher blood pressure and have a larger risk of developing diabetes than the average Victorian employee, according to a new report.
More than 7800 Hobsons Bay workers took part in free medical checks as part of WorkSafe Victoria’s WorkHealth program between April 2009 and April 2012.
Monash University studied the results and produced a report which showed blue collar workers – in industries such as manufacturing and construction – tended to be in worse health than white collar workers.
The results showed 25 per cent of Hobsons Bay workers smoke and 94.5 per cent have an inadequate fruit or vegetable intake.
Half of the area’s workers eat less than the recommended daily intake of fruit and nine out of 10 reported eating less than the daily recommended intake of vegetables.
The municipality’s employees also have an increased risk of developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease when compared to the average Victorian.
Over one-third of males and one-fifth of females in Hobsons Bay were assessed as having a high risk of developing type two diabetes.
One in 20 workers in the area are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to the study.
Hobsons Bay workers also have a higher rate of elevated random blood glucose levels and elevated total cholesterol levels when compared to the overall Victorian results.
Two in five male workers and one-quarter of female workers in Hobsons Bay reported drinking alcohol at risky levels.
Seven in 10 workers within Hobsons Bay reported their physical activity levels were below the recommended exercise levels.
The report recommended businesses within Hobsons Bay implement programs to help their employees eat more healthily, smoke less and exercise.
