Agricultural workers among healthiest workforce in UK

Those in the agriculture industry are active for 4.5 hours per day
Those in the agriculture industry are active for 4.5 hours per day

Agriculture workers are among the healthiest workforce in the UK, according to new research.

The survey of 2,014 UK adults by IronmongeryDirect revealed that those working in the agriculture sector such as, farm managers, mechanics, technicians and administrators are among the healthiest workers in the UK.

Due to the nature of the job and often being close to huge sprawling open spaces, the average agriculture worker is active for four and a half hours per day (270 minutes).

When it comes to getting physical, agriculture workers are healthier than those in the retail and manufacturing trade, and follow just two other industries (trades and health & fitness) when it comes to hours spend being active.

Those working in offices top the poll of being the unhealthiest workforce, with individuals from marketing and professional services sectors are all failing to be active for an hour per day, burning less than 300 calories through work related activity.

'Less likely to succumb to sugar'

Despite this, almost one in five (19%) UK workers ‘top up’ their activity levels with a weekly gym session.

Agriculture workers in the main are not office-bound and therefore are less likely to succumb to sugary treats, with 23% admitting to enjoying a daily indulgence, as sweets and biscuits are passed around.

Wayne Lysaght-Mason, managing director of IronmongeryDirect said: “Incorporating elements of a healthy lifestyle into your working day is essential. A balanced diet, regular breaks from your desk or computer screen, fresh air, and moderate exercise are important.

“Those with desk-based jobs should ensure they are consuming the correct number of calories to avoid running out of fuel during busy or strenuous days. However, due to lower than average activity levels, they should also be conscious of what they eat, being aware that they are burning less energy.”