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The aging factor of the Barbadian work force, cannot be ignored as a single phenomenon which has the potential of reducing levels of productivity.The reduction in productivity levels may also be linked to the declining health of able bodied members of the workforce. What then are these contributing factors that currently impact on the declining health of our workforce?
If we start by examining those associated with the work place, workplace stress, poor workplace health environments,occupational diseases such as carpel tunnel syndrome, and failure to observe workplace health and safety practices are among those that readily come to mind.
The magnitude of the problem is amplified, considering the lifestyles followed by individuals.
The lack of exercise resulting in obesity, generally poor diets,smoking,and the excessive use of alcohol,are among those identified by the health experts.It would seemed logical that it in an effort to preserve our workforce,increasing emphasis needs to be placed on wellness educational programmes that create a greater awarness amongst the workforce community.
In developing a medium through which matters of this nature ought to be addressed,it makes good sense to encourage the promoting of workplace health and safety committees.This provides an excellent opportunity for employers and employees to work together,as they seek to address a common interest,in that of the welfare of the human resource.
Current local employment statistics show that more women are now employed than men.Added to this single parent homes in which the female is the sole bread winner,is now a prominent feature in our society.The high incidence of breast and cervical cancer, diabetes,hypertension and heart disease among women,places upon them a responsibilty to pay more attention to their health.
Equally so, this applies to men whom are known,who are plaqued by prostate cancer,hypertension and heart disease.
What is interseting in relation to women, is the findings of a recent study of the World Health Organization. That study revealed that heart disease is now killing significantly more women than men. It is estimated that 8.6 million world wide died of the disease, as compared to 7.9 million men. According to Catherine Le Gables Camus, Assistant Director General, Non Communicable Diseases of the World Health Organization, the study revealed that " Although most women fear cancer, particularly breast cancer, they donot make the same efforts to safeguard themselves from heart disease, which is eminently preventable."
The study also highlighted the fact that a woman is about eighteen times more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer. Further, that a women is more likely to have a stroke than a man.
What does this say to our labour force? It strongly suggests that we need to eat better and exercise more. What is also says is that our workplaces need to be less stressful.If employers are to truly reflect that they care about their employees, then there must provide for them health insurance schemes,offer smoke and hazard free workplace enviroments, as well as health and fitness individual or family group packages.
Such incentives programmes are normally found with in private sector organizationS. It is about time that Government as the largest single employer begins to demonstrate its fullest commitment to promoting the health and safety of its employees, by offering suitable incentive
group packages. The CTUSAB is opened to negotiating the provisions associated with any such packages,and urges Government to give careful examination to any such initiative.
The CTUSAB has already made an approach to Government with regard to exploring the possible implementation of a group medicare scheme, which would serve to provide coverage for all public servants. It is important that the Social Partners work together in developing programmes to safe guard the health of this nation's work force,in an effort to stimulate greater productivity and enhance job satisfaction.
By: Dennis De Peiza, General Secretary, CTUSAB
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