Why do we need WorkHealth?

There is no escaping the fact that Victorians are becoming unhealthier.  It is estimated that over one million Victorian workers are at risk of developing chronic disease.

Chronic diseases are placing an unsustainable burden on the state’s health system – together, cardiovascular (heart) disease and diabetes cost the Victorian health system $600 million per year. Absenteeism due to illness and injury costs the Victorian economy over $440 million annually.

Research indicates that workers with chronic diseases may be more likely to be injured at work or recover more slowly from injuries.

WorkHealth aims to achieve a greater focus on health within the workplace, for the benefit of workers, employers and consequently the wider community.

With workers spending approximately one third of their total hours at work, the workplace provides a significant opportunity to promote health and wellbeing.  In particular workplaces provide:

• an environment where employers and workers can together achieve improved health and wellbeing
• an environment where workers can support each other to achieve improved health and wellbeing; and,
• more opportunities for linkages with local community organisations and services.

There is growing evidence that well designed workplace health programs can provide tangible benefits for employers and workers.

Many chronic diseases are preventable, or their onset can be delayed by relatively simple measures such as regular exercise and a healthy diet.