Health-saving measures in preventing diseases associated with working conditions

Abstract

Introduction. The health of employees of harmful industries indicates its disadvantage and dependence on behavioural and occupation risk factors, promoting the formation of diseases associated with their impact. In this regard, it is essential to improve hygienic and medical-preventive measures to strengthen and restore the health of the able-bodied population, based on the use of health-saving principles aimed at developing skills for a healthy lifestyle and monitoring predictors of functional disorders of the body and the health of workers. The purpose of the study. Implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of preventive measures using health-saving methods to optimise the production environment and extend the longevity of workers working in harmful working conditions. Material and methods. Two hundred eighty-two employees of the “Starooskolsky plant of automotive electrical equipment named after A.M. Mamonov” exposed to harmful factors of the working environment were examined. The health status of employees was assessed according to the data of periodic and preventive medical examinations, medical documentation, with an assessment of the prevalence of priority classes of diseases. Behavioural risk factors (smoking, physical activity, the nature of nutrition) and associated functional indices of health disorders were studied: body mass index, biochemical indices. A health-saving program was proposed and tested, including an organisational, training and monitoring unit. Results. The health status assessment of the workers of the studied enterprise showed the structure of morbidity to be formed by cardiovascular pathology, diseases of the spine and joints, respiratory organs, the psycho-emotional sphere, endocrinopathy, reaching almost 70%. More than half of the employees are overweight against the background of an unbalanced and irrational diet, a low level of physical activity, and lipid metabolism disorders. The introduction and testing of a preventive program developed on principles of health saving contributed to improving the health of employees and reducing morbidity. Conclusion. The recommended set of health-saving measures contributed to optimising working environment conditions, correcting the state of health of employees, and prolongation of labour longevity.