J Occup Environ Med

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine whether changes in health risks for workers in small businesses can produce medical and productivity cost savings.MethodsA 1-year pre- and posttest study tracked changes in 10 modifiable health risks for 2458 workers at 121 Colorado businesses that participated in a comprehensive worksite health promotion program. Risk reductions were entered into a return-on-investment (ROI) simulation model.ResultsReductions were recorded in 10 risk factors examined, including obesity (\ue2\u2c6\u20192.0%), poor eating habits (\ue2\u2c6\u20195.8%), poor physical activity (\ue2\u2c6\u20196.5%), tobacco use (\ue2\u2c6\u20191.3%), high alcohol consumption (\ue2\u2c6\u20191.7%), high stress (\ue2\u2c6\u20193.5%), depression (\ue2\u2c6\u20192.3%), high blood pressure (\ue2\u2c6\u20190.3%), high total cholesterol (\ue2\u2c6\u20190.9%), and high blood glucose (\ue2\u2c6\u20190.2%). The ROI model estimated medical and productivity savings of $2.03 for every$1.00 invested.ConclusionsPooled data suggest that small businesses can realize a positive ROI from effective risk reduction programs.T42 OH009229/OH/NIOSH CDC HHS/United States2015-06-16T00:00:00Z24806569PMC446933