How Long Working Hours Affect Health Risks

TL;DR

Working long hours significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, leading to 745,000 deaths annually. The World Health Organization highlights the Asia-Pacific region as the most affected. Men are particularly vulnerable, and the study underscores the detrimental health impacts of excessive work hours.

Transcript

Hello and welcome to News Review from BBC Learning English. I'm Neil. Joining me today is Tom. Hi, Tom. Hi, Neil. Good morning and hello to our audience. Did you know that 745,000 people are killed each year by working for too long. That's according to a new study released by the World Health Organization. That's a really terrible statistic. If you... Read More

Key Insights

• Long working hours significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• The World Health Organization reports 745,000 deaths annually due to long working hours.
• Men are more vulnerable to health risks from long working hours than women.
• The Asia-Pacific region, including Japan and Australia, is the worst affected by long working hours.
• Working 55 hours or more weekly raises the risk of stroke by 35% and heart disease by 17%.
• The study's statistics are from 2016, before the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The term 'killer' can refer to something causing death or something difficult.
• 'Detrimental' means likely to cause harm, often used in formal contexts.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do long working hours affect health?

Long working hours increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The World Health Organization reports that working 55 hours or more per week can raise the risk of stroke by 35% and heart disease by 17%. These health risks contribute to 745,000 deaths annually, highlighting the detrimental impact on health.

Q: What regions are most affected by long working hours?

The Asia-Pacific region, including countries like Japan, Australia, and China, is the most affected by the health risks associated with long working hours. The World Health Organization's study highlights this region due to its high prevalence of excessive work hours, leading to increased cases of heart disease and stroke.

Q: Why are men more vulnerable to health risks from long working hours?

Men are more vulnerable to the health risks associated with long working hours due to various factors, including occupational roles and stress levels. The World Health Organization's study indicates that men face a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, which are exacerbated by extended work hours, contributing to the annual death toll.

Q: What does the term 'killer' mean in this context?

In this context, 'killer' refers to a cause of death or something extremely challenging. The term is used to describe long working hours as a significant factor contributing to 745,000 deaths annually from heart disease and stroke. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something difficult or unpleasant.

Q: What is the meaning of 'detrimental'?

'Detrimental' is an adjective meaning likely to cause harm or damage. It is often used in formal contexts to describe negative impacts, such as the health effects of long working hours. For example, working excessively can be detrimental to one's health, increasing the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and stroke.

Q: How was the data for the WHO study collected?

The data for the World Health Organization's study on long working hours was collected from 2016, focusing on the health risks associated with working 55 hours or more per week. The study analyzed the correlation between extended work hours and increased rates of heart disease and stroke, providing a global perspective on the issue.

Q: What are the key vocabulary terms discussed in the video?

The key vocabulary terms discussed in the video include 'killer', which refers to a cause of death or something challenging, and 'detrimental', meaning likely to cause harm. These terms are used to describe the negative health impacts of long working hours, highlighting the importance of understanding these risks.

Q: What is the significance of the study's timing before the Covid-19 pandemic?

The study's timing before the Covid-19 pandemic is significant because it suggests that the situation regarding long working hours and associated health risks may have worsened since then. The pandemic has changed work patterns, potentially increasing the prevalence of extended work hours and exacerbating the health risks identified in the study.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The World Health Organization's study reveals that long working hours contribute to 745,000 deaths annually, mainly due to heart disease and stroke. The Asia-Pacific region is particularly affected, with men being more vulnerable. Working 55 hours or more weekly significantly raises health risks.

• Key vocabulary includes 'killer', which can mean a cause of death or something challenging, and 'detrimental', meaning likely to cause harm. These terms are used to describe the negative impacts of long working hours on health.

• The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the health risks associated with excessive work hours. It highlights that the statistics were collected before the pandemic, suggesting the situation may have worsened since then.