Working Long Hours Is Bad For The Heart

John Neil, Risk Manager at leading Business Insurance Brokers Alan Boswell Group reports on why working long hours is bad for your heart.

Findings from the Whitehall II study, a cohort study of members of the civil service, have shown that middle aged employees who routinely work overtime are at an increased risk of coronary heart disease.

The study that included researchers from University College, London followed participants for 11 years during which there were 369 cases of fatal coronary heart disease, non-fatal heart attacks and definite angina diagnosis.

The amount of overtime worked by participants was stated to be:

• x Up to 4 hours a day 10%
• x Up to 2 hours a day 36%
• x No significant overtime 54%

Researchers found that working 3 to 4 hours of overtime per day, when adjusted for social and demographic factors, raised the risk of heart disease by 60% compared to those who did no overtime. Working 1 or 2 hours extra seemed to have little or no effect.

Richard Jones, Policy and Technical Director of IOSH stated the study shows the need to monitor and make sure hours and workload are within reasonable limits.

Researchers feel more work is needed to determine the reasons for the link between overtime and heart disease and examine whether reduced overtime hours would alter the risk.

The British Heart Foundation agrees clarity is needed on reasoning for the increase in risk.

Overtime could cause hidden symptoms such as high blood pressure, stress, poor sleep patters and irregular diet which can affect the mechanics of the heart. Overtime could also simply mean we have less time to look after ourselves.

If you are working overtime, there are simple ways to look after yourself and your heart while at work like taking a brisk walk at lunchtime, use stairs instead of a lift and eat a piece of fruit instead of that sweet biscuit or a chocolate bar.

For more information on risk analysis and for expert business insurance advice, speak to Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers on 01603 218000, or visit our web site – http://www.alanboswell.com/business-insurance/risk-management-services.aspx