ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the workplace and provides examples of what can be done to make it healthier, both for people who are overweight and obese already and for those yet to carry excessive weight. Overweight and obese people are reported to have increased short- and long-term sickness absence rates when compared to people of normal weight. Companies with corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and activities are thought to be valued by employees who, in turn, are more productive. A CSR initiative by a food company to assist staff in making healthy nutritional choices and to provide opportunities for physical activity may be seen as a responsible action by an organisation which cares about its products and how they are used. The use of all types of personal protective equipment is fundamental to the protection of workers across many industries and in the prevention of transmission of infection, particularly in healthcare.
