EXCLUSIVE: Some 5% of health insurance claims among employees in the construction and building sector were related to heart and circulatory diseases, according to construction sector employee benefits firm ECIS.
Its claims data for January 2016 to November 2016 also found that 49% of health insurance claims related to musculoskeletal disorders, 11% to digestive system diseases, and 10% to cancer.
The proportion of health insurance claims related to heart conditions has fallen from 9% in 2013 to 5% in 2016.
Vicki Leslie (pictured), client relationship manager at ECIS, said: “While it’s pleasing to see that the overall number of claims related to heart and circulatory diseases is falling, coronary heart disease remains a huge issue in the UK.
"It’s crucial that employers actively encourage their employees to be vigilant when it comes to their own health, whether this be through health screenings or by visiting their GP. Spotting signs of heart disease early can have a huge impact on the outcome, enabling [employees] and health professionals to take appropriate action.
“This February [in support of Healthy Heart month] we are urging employers and employees alike to consider the greater benefits that come with a heart-healthy workforce.”
