Manufacturing & Health
There are over 12 million manufacturing workers in the United States, representing almost 9 percent of the workforce. Manufacturing workers have historically earned higher wages than similar workers in other industries, and are more likely to be offered health insurance. However, manufacturing workers and communities have higher rates of smoking, physical inactivity/obesity, binge drinking, inadequate sleep, diabetes, and cardiovascular deaths. The goal of the Manufacturing and Health Research Program is to generate evidence to improve the health of manufacturing employees and communities while also improving the value of health spending for companies.
Active Projects
Healthy Hearts in Manufacturing: Improving Cardiovascular Care in Worksite Health Clinics
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and manufacturing workers and communities have high rates of heart disease and its risk factors (e.g., smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and diabetes). The proposed Healthy Hearts in Manufacturing (HHM) study will introduce evidence-based interventions for hypertension and tobacco cessation in worksite clinics that serve manufacturing workers and their families. We will evaluate whether HHM is associated with improved hypertension control and tobacco screening and cessation intervention, and estimate the health care savings for the companies and Medicare. Read more