10/06/2010 - Workers urged to take more breaks
A campaign has been launched to encourage more workers to take regular breaks.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) said one in four people were putting their health at risk by working through the day without a break.
A survey of more than 2,600 adults showed many were unable to take breaks due to heavy workloads or low staffing levels.
The CSP warned that working long hours, or while ill or stressed, was a "serious risk" to a worker's health and could lead to huge costs for employers.
It said the new campaign was aimed at changing work and exercise habits, warning people they are increasing their risk of back pain, obesity, cancer, depression and heart disease.
Over half of those questioned said they struggled into work when they felt stressed or ill.
Phil Gray, the society's chief executive, said: "With advice and support from physiotherapists and other occupational health experts, employers can create healthier work environments and benefit not only society but also their profit margin."
Ben Willmott, senior public policy Advisor for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, commented: "When the pressure people face regularly exceeds their ability to cope, in other words stress, it is likely to lead to time off work and is linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety and heart disease."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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