Nutrition and Stress Training for Oregon's Registered Apprentices

Overview

Construction workers are at increased risk of injuries on the job due to the hazardous nature of the job, the dynamic work environment, and lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition.Although training for apprentices in the trades includes information addressing safety at the workplace, little information is traditionally provided on health promotion topics.

In an effort to align with the Total Worker Healthâ„¢ (TWH) principles, a strategy that integrates health protection with health promotion to prevent worker injury and illness, the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) partnered with OHSU to develop an online training specifically designed for apprentices. Apprentices experience barriers to healthy eating including worksite location, limited budget, and cultural factors that can impact retention in training programs. The training addressed factors including:

Basics of eating a well balanced diet
Grocery shopping on a budget
Healthy packing and snacking
Better fast food alternatives
Importance of hydration
Food Safety 101

A second online training on positive psychology and stress management has also been created. Both trainings will be evaluated through a randomized control trial.

Study Activities

Needs Assessment: Survey of the workforce

Evaluate Training: Effectiveness Trial

Evaluated with Bureau of Labor and Industries Registered Apprentices