Snacking at work linked to weight issues among firefighters

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyResearch

Firefighters in the UK face workplace health challenge

A recent study conducted by Oxford Online Pharmacy has found that firefighters are among the professions in the UK where workplace snacking is considered a major obstacle to weight loss.

The survey, conducted in April 2025 by Censuswide and based on responses from 2,000 UK adults, explored how job roles influence eating habits.

According to Oxford Online Pharmacy, 33.33% of firefighters surveyed said workplace snacks were a barrier to weight management.

The company said estate and letting agents reported the highest rate, with 37.5% citing vending machines and workplace snacks as a factor in weight gain.

Survey examines health barriers in the workplace

Oxford Online Pharmacy stated that broadcasters were tied with firefighters at 33.33% in reporting workplace snacks as a problem.

The study also noted that 26.67% of lorry and taxi drivers blamed eating on the job for difficulties with weight loss.

According to the company, these jobs often involve mobile routines and high workloads that limit access to home-cooked meals.

Oxford Online Pharmacy explained that these types of professions frequently operate in high-pressure environments with limited opportunities for food preparation, making quick snacks a more accessible option.

Lack of time and stress contribute to poor diet choices

Oxford Online Pharmacy found that lack of time to cook and workplace stress were additional factors affecting food choices. It reported that people working in mobile or shift-based roles were more likely to experience these barriers.

The company said that stress and limited time can drive workers to rely on fast food and vending machines, which are often calorie-dense and lacking in nutrition.

It added that stress-related eating patterns can lead to overconsumption, especially when healthier alternatives are unavailable during working hours.

Guidance issued for employers and employees

Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, provided advice for workers and employers to support healthier choices. Jones said: “If grab-and-go and fast-food options are stopping you from eating healthy and nutritious lunches or snacks, it’s time you took back control and packed your own.”

Jones continued: “Instead of relying on quick, unhealthy options, consider packing a lunchbox filled with lean proteins and fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of nutritious snacks.”

Jones added: “Soups in thermos flasks are also perfect for weight loss if you prefer a hot meal or avoid food wastage by boxing up last night’s leftovers.”

For employers, Jones said: “While you can’t necessarily control what workers eat when they’re on the road, you can switch up the food that’s available in the workplace.”

Jones stated: “Encourage workers to set their own break times where they can eat in peace between jobs.

“Rushing or skipping meals can result in poor food choices later in the day and irregular eating patterns can have an impact on mood and energy levels.”

Jones further recommended: “Workplaces should also ensure employees are aware of any support services that are available to them in and outside of the workplace, for their mental or physical health.”

Workplace snacking challenges for firefighters and other UK workers: Summary

Oxford Online Pharmacy conducted a UK-wide survey of 2,000 adults in April 2025.

The research examined barriers to weight loss and healthy eating in the workplace.

It found that 33.33% of firefighters considered workplace snacking a challenge to weight control.

Estate and letting agents had the highest rate, at 37.5%.

Broadcasters also reported 33.33%, and 26.67% of taxi and lorry drivers identified on-the-job eating as a problem.

Oxford Online Pharmacy stated that stress and limited food preparation time contributed to poor diet choices.

Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, shared advice for healthy eating on the job.

Suggestions included pre-planning meals, increasing water intake and changing available snack options.

Jones also encouraged flexible break times and access to workplace wellbeing resources.

Free HSE tool supports UK stress risk assessments

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyTraining

HSE introduces stress risk assessment resource for UK businesses

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a free online training module to help UK employers assess and manage the risk of work-related stress.

The new tool, announced to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week from 12 to 18 May, forms part of HSE’s Working Minds campaign.

The agency explained that the module offers step-by-step instructions for conducting workplace stress risk assessments, identifying causes and applying practical solutions.

According to HSE, around half of all work-related ill health in Great Britain is linked to stress, depression or anxiety.

The training aims to improve understanding among employers, particularly in small and medium-sized organisations, about their legal obligations and methods to support employee mental health.

Training designed to support legal compliance and business performance

Kayleigh Roberts, from HSE’s Engagement and Policy Division, said: “Preventing work-related stress isn’t just the right thing to do for your workers—it’s also a legal requirement.

“Our new online learning module aims to make it easier for businesses, particularly small to medium organisations to understand their obligations and what they need to do on a practical level.”

She continued: “This isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about embedding good practices into everyday business operations.

“By taking a proactive approach, employers can improve productivity, reduce sickness absence, and retain their valued workers.

“The module provides all the practical templates, tools and resources needed to get started or to review existing practices.”

HSE stated that the module aligns with existing guidance and aims to improve consistency in how stress risks are assessed and addressed across different sectors.

Six key areas of concern identified in workplace stress

HSE explained that work-related stress often arises when certain aspects of a role are not properly managed. It highlighted six categories where issues typically emerge: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change.

According to the agency, failing to properly manage these six areas can contribute to poor mental health outcomes and workplace dissatisfaction.

The module aims to provide structured guidance to address each of these areas through risk assessment and intervention.

The organisation said the tool has been designed to complement existing HSE guidance and is intended for use across multiple sectors.

Working Minds campaign encourages proactive routine

The new resource complements HSE’s broader Working Minds campaign, which promotes a five-step model to managing workplace stress known as the ‘5Rs’.

According to HSE, these are: Reach out and have conversations, Recognise the signs and causes of stress, Respond to risks by agreeing action points, Reflect on the actions taken and Make it Routine to check in regularly.

The agency said this approach supports early identification and response, helping employers to normalise conversations around mental health and improve long-term wellbeing in the workplace.

Employers can register for the online module via the Working Minds website.

Free HSE tool supports UK stress risk assessments: Summary

The Health and Safety Executive has launched a free online module for assessing work-related stress.

The tool is part of HSE’s Working Minds campaign and was released during Mental Health Awareness Week.

HSE reported that around half of work-related ill health is due to stress, depression or anxiety.

The module offers step-by-step advice, templates and tools for employers.

Kayleigh Roberts from HSE said the tool aims to help small to medium businesses meet legal obligations.

The module outlines how to identify and address six stress-related workplace risks.

The tool follows the Working Minds campaign’s ‘5Rs’ model.

Employers can register for the training through the Working Minds website.

Tackling workplace stress: HSE publishes five-step guide for British businesses in Stress Awareness Month

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

Five steps to combat stress in the workplace unveiled

This April, as part of Stress Awareness Month, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging employers across Britain to adopt a five-step approach to mitigate and manage workplace stress.

The initiative is part of the HSE’s Working Minds campaign, aiming to support mental health in the workplace by encouraging employers to engage actively in the mental well-being of their workers.

Liz Goodwill, the head of the work-related stress and mental health policy team at HSE, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “We are inviting business owners, employers, and managers to join others across Britain to make a difference during Stress Awareness Month in five steps.”

The campaign’s structured approach focuses on the ‘5 Rs’: Reach out, Recognise, Respond, Reflect, and make it Routine, guiding employers through the process of identifying, addressing, and normalising conversations around workplace stress.

Legal obligations and support tools

Preventing work-related stress is not only a moral responsibility but also a legal one.

All employers in Britain are obligated to address work-related stress, helping to foster good mental health within their organisations.

The Working Minds campaign provides numerous resources, including free online learning, Talking Toolkits, risk assessment templates, and examples to aid businesses and workers alike.

Goodwill further elaborated on the legal implications for employers: “Failing to manage work-related stress can cost employers in reduced productivity, sickness absence costs, or even losing a valued member of the team.

“Employers are required to assess the risk of work-related stress impacting their workers and act on the risks identified.”

Campaign partners and support for a proactive approach

The campaign has garnered support from over 30 organisations, including the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH).

Rachel Suff, senior policy advisor at the CIPD, stressed the necessity for a proactive approach to mental health: “Many organisations are reactive and tend to put more emphasis on providing support when people become ill rather than on prevention, including for mental ill health and stress.

“We want to see every organisation taking a proactive approach to employee wellbeing.”

Matt Powell-Howard, Head of Product Development at NEBOSH, also expressed his support: “I’m really pleased that NEBOSH is supporting the Working Minds campaign as we are committed to promoting good mental health and preventing work-related stress.”

IFSJ Comment:

The HSE’s Working Minds campaign’s focus on addressing workplace stress through a systematic, month-long initiative underscores the growing recognition of mental health‘s importance in occupational safety and health.

By providing a structured framework for employers to tackle stress, the campaign aims to enhance individual well-being and improve overall organisational health.

This approach, supported by the legal framework, underscores the necessity of integrating mental health considerations into the fabric of workplace health and safety strategies.

As businesses continue to navigate the challenges of maintaining a healthy workforce, the principles outlined by the HSE serve as a valuable guide for fostering a supportive and resilient work environment.