Educating Blue Collar Workers

Abstract

The nurse who meets with workers to share practical information about safe work practices, health maintenance, and home safety has the privilege of working to make a difference in their lives. On each return visit to the workplace, the messages can be strengthened and reinforced by using appropriate intervention strategies. The workplace offers a fertile field for effective health education for blue collar workers. Health education can provide useful information and develop within blue collar workers a sense of empowerment that they have the capacity to develop and use improved health behaviors. Education based on workers’ value system, interests, and strengths will be the most likely to influence lifestyle choices.