Nutrition And Wellbeing In Construction: Exploring Dietary Practices For Safer Healthier Workforces

Aboagye-Nimo, Emmanuel and Roberts, Charlie J. and Gough, Lewis A. (2026) Nutrition And Wellbeing In Construction: Exploring Dietary Practices For Safer Healthier Workforces. In: CIB W099/W123 & ICONS 2026, 20th-22nd May 2026, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Preview

Text Nutrition And Wellbeing In Construction_ Exploring Dietary Practi.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike. Download (550kB)

Abstract

Construction workplaces significant physical and cognitive demands on workers, yet the role of nutrition in supporting energy, concentration and safety is seldom addressed in industry discourse. This study explores how construction workers understand and manage their daily eating habits, and how these habits influence performance, wellbeing and risk. The research forms part of an ongoing qualitative inquiry, using semi‑structured interviews with workers from a range of roles including bricklayers, plasterers, waste management teams and site managers. Early findings indicate considerable variation in nutritional practices, shaped by time pressures, cost, convenience and site routines. While some workers rely heavily on fast food or irregular eating patterns, others adopt structured and health‑focused approaches, demonstrating how disciplined meal preparation and balanced diets can sustain energy, improve concentration and support physical endurance. Participants also reported links between poor nutrition, fatigue and lapses in attention, with potential consequences for safety on site. Emerging insights suggest that both individual habits and workplace conditions influence nutritional behaviour. The study highlights the need for greater recognition of nutrition within occupational health strategies and identifies opportunities for employers to support healthier and more sustainable eating practices across the sector.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Identification Number:	10.7771/3067-4883.2174
Dates:	Date Event 1 June 2026 Accepted 15 June 2026 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Nutrition, Occupational Health, Safety Performance, Wellbeing.
Subjects:	CAH03 - biological and sport sciences > CAH03-01 - biosciences > CAH03-01-01 - biosciences (non-specific)
Divisions:	Life and Health Sciences > Life and Sports Sciences
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	02 Jul 2026 14:58
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2026 14:58
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17097

Actions (login required)

View Item