Effect of a worksite wellness programme on the physical work capacity profile of workers in an electricity supply company

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a worksite wellness programme on the physical work capacity profile of workers. Male workers who did not meet the minimum physical ability task requirement based on an assessment of ten essential physical abilities for their job were selected for this study. Twelve workers in the experimental group participated in a 24-month worksite wellness programme and 62 were in the control group. Pre- and post-tests determined if their physical work capacity profile met the minimum physical ability task requirements of their job. There was no practically significant (d = 0.8) difference between the two groups before the start of the programme after controlling for age; gender; motivation to change and initial physical work capacity profile differences. The results showed that workers whose physical work capacity profile did not meet the minimum physical ability task requirement of their job; were practically significantly (.......... = 4.25) more likely to improve their physical work capacity profile through the 24-month worksite wellness programme to a level were they met the minimum physical ability task requirement of the job; than those receiving no intervention. The study found that the cases were poorly reported. The follow up system at the local level between local government officials and the farmers was not efficient for the prevention of agrichemical poisonings. The contributory factors were insufficient information and training; the incorrect use of personal protective equipment; the lack of safety of the agri-chemical store; and the absence of a monitoring system on the majority of farms. This study demonstrated that the notification of agricultural chemical poisoning was applied in a fragmentary manner between the different governmental levels and departments