New Work Models Bring Health Risks
The rapid growth of the platform economy is creating new health concerns for workers, a health official warned on Monday. Sun Xin, director of the National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, spoke at a news conference about the challenges facing workers in industries like food delivery, ride-hailing, and live-streaming.
Sun explained that these new jobs often involve long working hours, intense workloads, and poor sitting postures. These conditions make workers more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases, mental health problems, and musculoskeletal injuries.
He urged workers to avoid long hours and late-night shifts whenever possible. “It’s important to take regular breaks and stay active during work,” Sun said.
Advice for Workers in New Industries
Sun offered practical tips to help workers protect their health. He suggested simple stretching exercises during the workday to balance work and rest. For live-streamers, he recommended changing between sitting and standing positions to help prevent muscle fatigue.
According to official data, more than 84 million people in China are employed in these new forms of work. Sun stressed that protecting the health of these workers must become a major focus of occupational health efforts.
Traditional Hazards Remain a Threat
Sun also reminded workers exposed to traditional hazards such as dust, chemicals, and noise to learn about the risks associated with their jobs. He encouraged them to take protective measures to reduce potential harm.
As China’s economy continues to change, experts believe that health protection must adapt to meet the needs of workers in both traditional and emerging industries.
Related Topics
