New figures from the Brumby Labor Government’s WorkHealth program show that workers in the MiIdura area are taking up the opportunity for free workplace health checks and learning some helpful truths at the same time.
“Local workers and workplaces have enthusiastically taken up the chance to benefit from a free WorkHealth check. This is great to see but the results show, there is more work to be done,” Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said.
The Brumby Labor Government initiative designed to test chronic disease risks among Victorian workers has delivered health checks to more than 100,000 workers since launching last year.
But the results from the first 615 checks show it wouldn’t hurt most people to add a piece of fruit to the lunch box or walk to work occasionally.
Ms Broad said that results of WorkHealth checks found that 40.5% of workers had a high or very high risk of developing type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease with men being at a much higher risk than women.
The results also showed that of those workers in the Mildura area who have already had the checks completed:
- 94.3% weren’t getting enough fruit and vegetables in their diet;
- 69.6% were not getting enough exercise;
- 22% smoked; and
- 51.2% drank at levels deemed to be risky.
615 of WorkHealth tests took place at workplaces in the Mildura district.
“These results show how important it is for workplaces in the Mildura area to get the health checks done and take seriously the outcomes of the test,” Ms Broad said.
“The WorkHealth checks are a free, quick and confidential way for Victorian workers to get instant feedback on their blood pressure, cholesterol, and any risk of heart disease and diabetes.
“Already some workplaces have programs in place such as quit campaigns and walking groups, and supporting active transport such as cycling to work by providing showers and storage facilities. These are great initiatives which help to tackle chronic preventable disease.”
Ms Broad congratulated those workplaces in the Mildura area that had already offered the checks and encouraged other employers and workers in the area to get onto the WorkHealth website, sign up and get active.
Employers and workers interested in getting the free checks for their workers should visit the WorkHealth website at www.workhealth.vic.gov.au or contact WorkSafe Victoria on 1800 136 089.