ATLANTA, April 15, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN), www.aaohn.org, released results of its survey of U.S.-based national and international companies at the International Congress on Occupational Health (ICOH) in Cape Town, South Africa. The survey, presented by AAOHN President Richard Kowalski, RN, MSA, COHN-S, examined how U.S. Corporations address the major health issues that face their employees.
It is widely known that approximately 50 percent of U.S. business profits are directed toward employee healthcare costs. These include lung and cardiovascular disease, cancer and other lifestyle -related conditions, which are linked with smoking, obesity and/or aging. With exponentially increasing healthcare costs, occupational health nurses (OHNs) are concerned about the effect these factors have on employee health and the corporate bottom line. When these issues are not properly addressed, the ultimate result can affect the ability of U.S. business to compete in the global marketplace.
Prior to Mr. Kowalski's presentation at the ICOH conference, a survey was sent to 2,000 occupational and environmental health nurses that work for U.S. corporations. The survey asked respondents to explain the impact of company-based wellness programs on their workers regarding the major health threats of smoking, obesity and aging. The overall goal was to assess how U.S. companies are addressing these issues within their workforces.
U.S. corporations address health issues differently, but the survey listed the five health programs most incorporated into corporate cultures. First are employee ergonomic interventions, followed by establishing smoke-free workplaces, exercise/fitness opportunities, weight loss programs and safety interventions.
AAOHN's survey also indicated what contributed most to the effectiveness of these health programs. Three important factors that increased a program's effectiveness are employees identifying their concerns, conducting sessions during work hours and incorporating incentives to encourage employee involvement.
The findings of the study reinforce the fundamental economic value of OHNs. Not only do OHNs serve as team leaders for corporate health initiatives over 70 percent of the time, they are involved in and often responsible for the development and implementation of these cost effective programs. The current volatile economy makes the impact of OHNs aiding employees to improve their health and productivity even more significant when considering the costliness of smoking, obesity and aging to the U.S. healthcare system.
Kowalski's presentation of the AAOHN survey at the ICOH Conference was an affirmation of OHNs impact on employees in the U.S. and globally. "I was impressed with the universal concern for employee health worldwide and the recognition of the importance of healthy workers to economic success," said Kowalski.
For more information on Kowalski's presentation and the AAOHN survey, visit the AAOHN website at www.aaohn.org. AAOHN is a global organization whose members protect and promote the health, safety and productivity of workers, worker populations and communities.