Why we need WorkHealth

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

The health of workers has a direct bearing on productivity, and injury rates. Each year, Absenteeism due to illness and injury costs Victoria over $440 million.

Research indicates that poor nutrition and physical inactivity increase exposure to musculoskeletal disorders, and can slow down recovery.

Cardiovascular (heart) disease and diabetes are chronic diseases that cost the Victorian health system $600 million per year and it is estimated that over one million Victorian workers are at risk of developing chronic disease.

Many chronic diseases are preventable, or their onset can be delayed by relatively simple measures such as regular exercise and a healthy diet. 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
• a structured environment with shared values and expectations.
• 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, and can contribute to a thriving Victorian economy.