Michigan Construction Industry Unites to Enhance Safety Measures and Save Lives
The construction industry in Michigan is taking a proactive approach to improving the cardiovascular health of its workers through the American Heart Association’s Hard Hats with Heart campaign. This initiative aims to integrate health, well-being, and prevention solutions into the industry’s culture by inspiring companies to implement initiatives to improve employee health. Co-chaired by David Krysak, director of practice development at Progressive Companies, and Steven Lorenzo, vice president at Barton Malow, the campaign is making strides in raising awareness about heart disease and promoting healthy lifestyles among construction workers.
Building a Healthier Workforce
Construction workers are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, with 1 in 25 workers being diagnosed annually. This staggering statistic highlights the importance of initiatives like Hard Hats with Heart in promoting heart health and preventing heart disease within the industry. By providing healthy food options, promoting physical activity during breaks, implementing stress-reducing programs, educating employees about the signs of heart disease, and teaching CPR, companies are working to create a culture of health and well-being among their workforce.
David Krysak, who has been personally affected by heart disease, is passionate about raising awareness and promoting prevention and treatment techniques within the industry. Progressive Companies, where Krysak works, prioritizes employee health by offering wellness programs, health screenings, and training in first aid, CPR, and AED use. By equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to respond in case of an emergency, Progressive Companies is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its workforce.
Personal Connections Drive Commitment
Steven Lorenzo, the co-chair of Hard Hats with Heart and vice president at Barton Malow, also has a personal connection to heart disease, having lost his mother to heart failure in 2015. This personal experience has fueled his dedication to initiatives like the Heart Walk and Hard Hats with Heart, as he strives to make a difference in the fight against heart disease. Both Lorenzo and Barton Malow are committed to not only talking about the importance of heart health but also taking action to promote a culture of health and safety within the construction industry.
Nicole Johnson, the American Heart Association development director, commends Krysak and Lorenzo for their leadership and commitment to the Hard Hats with Heart campaign. She notes that both companies, Progressive Companies and Barton Malow, are leaders in the industry when it comes to giving back and prioritizing their employees’ health and well-being. By participating in initiatives like Hard Hats with Heart, these companies are setting an example for others in the industry to follow.
Looking Towards a Healthier Future
As the construction industry in Michigan comes together to enhance safety measures and save lives through the Hard Hats with Heart campaign, there is hope for a healthier future for all workers. By promoting heart health, raising awareness about heart disease, and providing employees with the tools they need to respond in case of an emergency, companies are making a positive impact on the well-being of their workforce. Through collaboration and dedication, the construction industry is working towards a future where heart disease is no longer a leading cause of illness and death among workers.
In conclusion, the efforts of David Krysak, Steven Lorenzo, and the American Heart Association in leading the Hard Hats with Heart campaign are making a significant difference in promoting heart health within the construction industry. By focusing on prevention, education, and support, companies are working towards a future where heart disease is no longer a threat to the health and well-being of their employees. With a united effort and a commitment to safety and health, the construction industry in Michigan is paving the way for a healthier workforce and a brighter future for all.
