In a recent study the danger of 33% increased risk of heart stroke in those working for 55 hours per week than those who work 35 to 40 hours per week is highlighted.

The largest research conducted on the issue, carried out in men and women from USA, Europe and Australia was led by scientists at University College London.

The study found that those who work more than 55 hours a week have a 33% increased risk of stroke compared with those who work a 35 to 40 hour a week. Furthermore, it increases the risk of coronary heart disease by 13%.

Mika Kivimäki, professor of epidemiology at UCL, and colleagues who conducted the study conducted the research separately for heart disease and stroke.

For coronary heart disease, they pulled together 25 studies that involved more than 600,000 men and women from Europe, the USA and Australia and were followed for an average of 8.5 years.

For stroke, they analysed data from 17 studies that involved nearly 530,000 men and women and were followed up for an average of 7.2 years. They found a 1.3 times higher risk of stroke in individuals working 55 hours or more, compared with those working a standard 35- to 40-hour week.

While there exist student lead organizations for colleges, Unions for Auto Rickshaws,LABOUR LAWS IN INDIA committees for domestic help and Consumer rights forums, any effort towards putting up a legislation for an employee’s working hours  is yet to be seen.

(with agency inputs)
By Sree Teja