This Is How to Stay Fit and Healthy as a Factory or Assembly Line Worker

Could your factory job be undermining your overall health? Most workplaces pay attention to possible health violations to stay within regulatory guidelines but often management will only do the bare minimum without seeking for optimum solutions for their workers' health.

Of course, not every manufacturing company is guilty of this. Certain companies do put their workers first. For instance, Levi Strauss, the jean manufacturer, maintains on their website that a healthy worker is a more productive worker. Levi has gone beyond compliance to create programs that improve the lives of their workers.

In another example, disorders from repeated movements are on the rise across a variety of industries. Responsible companies protect their workers by providing their employees with wearable exoskeletons. Levitate Technologies, Inc., an exoskeleton company, says through this simple move, companies can provide a safer work experience and more productive workforce.

However, not all factories and workplaces are conscientious when it comes to employee health. The onus is on the individual to protect their health, which is their most valuable asset.

Here are two aspects to staying in tip-top shape, even while working at a factory or an assembly line.

Consider fitness beyond physical activity.

If you spend most of your hours on your feet, you may believe that you are getting in the government recommended amount of physical activity. And in case your memory is blurry on that front, you need:

• 150 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as walking. So walking up and down factory lanes would also fall under this category.
• Or, the alternative to 150 minutes of moderate aerobics, which is 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week, such as jogging.

But what do many people forget? There is more to these government recommendations. The Dept. of Health and Human Services also recommends strength training for all major muscles at least twice per week.

Strengthening your muscles throughout your body has benefits beyond looking buff. The stronger your muscles, the better your balance and stability, which will decreases your risk of falls. Falls are one of the foremost causes of accidents and fatalities at work.

Focusing on your core muscle group will go far to protect your back from injury, as well as reduce back pain.

Being fit is different from being physically active. Anyone can claim to be active, even if all they are doing is walk their dog. But to protect your health, and prevent health issues, overall physical fitness is what you should be striving for.

Know the hazards associated with your job.

Every job has hazards, or areas that put you at greater risk of certain issues. Find out the risk spots of your industry and your role in particular.

For instance, lung problems due to work conditions are common within the US. Experts approximate that up to 17 percent of asthma among adults is caused due to their work environments. And up to 22 percent of workers noted that their asthma symptoms worsened while on the job. High risk jobs for developing lung problems include construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Aside from wearing protective facial gear, workers in high risk jobs should research methods for staying on top of the health of their lungs. Healthline states that besides giving up smoking, regular exercise is the most important thing you can do for your lungs.

Your job place might not be considered high risk for lung problems, but there might be other issues that could put you at risk of injury or illness. Pinpoint the risky areas, assess, and then develop a personal plan of prevention.

Eating right is essential for giving your immune system the ammunition it needs to ward off viruses and germs. What you take in matters. A diet that adheres to daily recommended amounts of nutrition will help with the following and more:

• more energy
• stable moods
• more endurance
• better weight management
• improved immune system
• prevention against heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers

Again, here it pays to know the areas that are considered high risk for you. And tailor your diet accordingly. Consider not only the risks of your workplace but also your family history. If your parents both developed Type 2 diabetes, you could be at high risk. Talk with your doctor regarding issues that could be hereditary.

Finding different work in a safer environment might not be plausible for you due to geographic constraints orr financial responsibilities, but on a personal level, there are always steps you can take to safeguard your health.