A Different Approach To Promoting “Wellness” in an Australian Workplace

Introduction
Chronic disease relating to lifestyle is an important challenge facing the Australian health care system and has an adverse effect on workplace productivity. Traditional workplace health promotion has typically involved periodic medical checkups with subsequent referral or advice regarding any adverse findings. The impact on lost work time and productivity is often disappointing. However, there is growing evidence of increased effectiveness of long term workplace health programs which incorporate intervention in lifestyle health behaviours.
The occupational health team in the Bathurst, NSW, plant of Mars Petcare Australia – a pet food manufacturing plant employing some 300 workers – obtained management support and encouragement to implement a new workplace health program in 2005.

Methods
The program extended the basic periodic medical assessment with increased focus on lifestyle factors. Each participant was also assessed by an exercise physiologist regarding cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness, diet, etc. and had a comprehensive debriefing session resulting in the provision of an individually tailored plan to control adverse lifestyle factors with realistic goals and regular follow up.

Results
Since the instigation of the program there has been a significant and sustained decrease in risk factors for chronic disease. Total hours lost to injury have reduced by over 50% and hours worked on modified duties by over 60%. Overall attendance rates have continued to increase.

Discussion
The essential difference between this and other health programs has been the addition of an exercise physiologist providing detailed discussion of lifestyle issues and individual programs with subsequent follow up, encouragement and reinforcement. There has been an added benefit of early identification and treatment of musculoskeletal problems before they lead to lost time injuries. The cost effectiveness is readily appreciated by management through the marked reduction in time lost and increased productivity.