Nutra-Ergonomics: Influence of nutrition on physical employment standards and the health of workers

The importance of ergonomics across several scientific domains including biomechanics, psychology, sociology, and physiology have been extensively explored. However, the role of other factors that may influence the health and productivity of workers, such as nutrition, is generally overlooked. Nutra-ergonomics describes the interface between workers, their work environment and performance in relation to their nutritional status. It considers nutrition to be an integral part of a safe and productive workplace that encompasses physical and mental health as well as the long-term wellbeing of workers. This review explores the knowledge, awareness and common practises of nutrition, hydration, stimulants and fortified product use employed prior to physical employment standards testing and within the workplace. The influence of these nutra-ergonomic strategies on physical employment standards, worker safety and performance will be examined. Further, the roles, responsibilities and implications for the applicant, worker and the employer will be discussed within the context of nutra-ergonomics, with reference to the provision and sustainability of an environment conducive to optimise worker health and wellbeing. Beyond physical employment standards, workplace productivity and performance, the influence of extended or chronic desynchronisation (irregular or shift work) in the work schedule on metabolism and long-term health, including risk of developing chronic and complex diseases, is discussed. Finally, practical nutra-ergonomic strategies and recommendations for the applicant, worker and employer alike will be provided to enhance the short- and long-term safety, performance, health and wellbeing of workers.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author