We all know that obesity is a huge issue here in the United States but did you know obesity is also an issue when it comes to workers compensation claims.
Studies have shown that work related injuries are far more costly if the injured worker is obese. The medical costs are dramatically higher for obese workers. The types and nature of injuries sustained by obese workers, especially the morbidly obese, are more likely to result in permanent disabilities.
How can employers help their employees get healthy and change these studies?
We cannot change people but we can change the way we motivate people to live a healthy life style. If motivating through the work place is what we have to do then so be it. I recently moved from Colorado where in 2009 had the least amount of obesity.
I do know as of Jan. 2011 Pinnacol Assurance (Colorado’s State Fund) implemented an employer wellness program. Pinnacol issued credits on policy’s that had 100% participation from employees. It would be the responsibility of the employer to motivate and encourage employees to call and do their part with their assigned heath coach. Several of my clients came up with great ideas for rewards if everyone participated.
When the Agency owner started this program, I thought it is was none of my employers business how healthy I was. I understand now that it is essential for employers to care about their employee’s health.
I know there is a fine line between what is private and what can be considered helpful. However if work comp carriers and employers can encourage safety why can’t they encourage healthy lifestyles as well. http://www.walkingspree.com
If billions of dollars lost is not a wake-up call to employers to help their employees get fit and stay in good health, perhaps the secondary side effects will be; A primary benefit of reducing obesity in the workplace is having happier and healthier employees, who are also more productive and take less time off due to illness related-problems.
“As a society, the message is clear. As important as education is to our future, so is our health. If we are not a nation of educated people, we will not lead the world in emerging high-tech areas. If our children are not fit and healthy, they will not be able to perform at their optimum level,” said Dr. Mitchell Roslin, a bariatric surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. ” No child left behind has to mean more than just reading and arithmetic, and cannot separate health, fitness and emotional maturation,” he said
Center for Disease Control and Prevention study estimates 42 percent of U.S. adults will become obese by 2030. I understand society gets up in arms when others tell them what to do or what we should do but how else are we as Americans going to get healthier.
We clearly can’t do it all on our own I think we should welcome all the help we can get. Nobody can argue medical costs are rising and I don’t think that is going to change. The key is to reach an employee population early. This issue may not have seemed imperative in the past years but with a rise in both workers comp rates and increasing non-renewals,
I believe it’s time for insurance agents and brokers to discuss obesity, health and wellness issues with employers and business owners.