Hire and Rental News - April/May 2015

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INDUSTRY in FOCUS
More than 850 workplaces across New
South Wales (NSW) have made a pledge to
support healthier lifestyles by embracing
the new free workplace health service.
Get Healthy at Work is a $12 million NSW
Government initiative that makes it easy
for businesses to support workers in
making healthier food choices, becoming
more physically active and maintaining
a healthy body weight. Participating
workplaces can also use the service to
support workers who want to quit smoking
or reduce their alcohol intake.
In Sydney, TNT Australia made a number of
changes at its Enfield worksite to support
workers in making healthier food choices
and exercising more. These included
overhauling its canteen menu boards to
offer healthier options, ‘traffic light’ stickers
Transport companies make long haul
commitment to workplace health
In response to data that shows many transport workers are at high risk of developing chronic
disease, particularly Type 2 diabetes and heart disease 1, two transport companies have
begun implementing a new program from WorkCover NSW called Get Healthy at Work.
in each truck to remind drivers of healthy
eating choices and new partnerships
with local associations, gyms and health
insurers to offer better deals for employees.
Employee engagement was another
benefit the business attributed to the
enhanced focus on health.
In Tamworth, Carey’s Freight Lines has
launched both weight loss and fitness
challenges as part of a workplace health
program developed with support from a
Get Healthy at Work workplace health
provider.
General Manager of WorkCover’s Work
Health and Safety Division, Peter Dunphy,
said:“For truck drivers, the lifestyle of
long hauls, shift work and fast food means
obesity, diabetes and heart disease can
often be major health issues.
“Simply planning ahead for better food, or
making healthier choices such as drinking
water instead of soft drink can have a huge
impact on weight and general wellbeing.”
Workers in the manufacturing, construction
and agriculture industries are also at high
risk for chronic disease.
In addition to the individual health
benefits, businesses that value workplace
health have been shown to benefit through
improved worker morale, productivity, staff
attraction and retention, and corporate
image. In the longer term, reductions in
absenteeism as well as workplace injuries
and claims could also be achieved.
About Get Healthy at Work
Developed by WorkCover NSW in
partnership with NSW Health, Get Healthy
HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • APRIL/MAY 2015 26
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