Physical activity initiatives for male factory workers: gatekeepers' perceptions of potential motivators and barriers

Objective: Worksites have been argued to be a key setting for physical acti vity promotion, particularly for lower-paid, less-skilled workers. These oc cupational groups are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is no strong evidence in support of the efficacy of worksite fitness and phys ical activity interventions. This study assessed potential motivators and b arriers to worksite physical activity initiatives for less-skilled workers. Method: We conducted telephone interviews with 13 Victorian WorkCover insur ance providers and 30 manufacturing industry worksite managers. The manufac turing industry was selected as it contains a substantial portion of worker s from this high-risk occupational group. Results: Most insurers incorporated physical activity elements into injury- prevention programs. Few worksite managers reported programs to encourage w orkers to be more active; they identified reduced premiums and lower-cost p rograms through insurers as possible motivators. Both groups identified wor kers' reluctance to participate in physical activity, lack of awareness of potential benefits and program cost as major barriers for worksite physical activity. Other barriers included potential adverse effects on productivit y and increased injury risk. Conclusions: Broader occupational health and safety policies and joint init iatives between insurers and worksite managers may have the potential to pr ovide more opportunities for workers to be more active. However, the barrie rs identified outweighed the perceived benefits. Implications: Without stru ctural and regulatory changes or new incentives, the adoption of physical a ctivity initiatives in Australian manufacturing-industry workplaces is unli kely.