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a healthy approach to work

In the current economic climate, businesses across Scotland are increasingly looking at how to make more efficient use of resources and remain competitive in a difficult market.

However, it's easy to forget that a company's most valuable resource is its staff and that protecting their health and safety will be fundamental to improving business performance.

Recent research has suggested that businesses which strive to provide top-quality health and safety management have a 25% higher profit margin and 50% lower accident rates than equivalent operations with less stringent standards.

In 2006/07, more than 260 people in Aberdeen were injured after falling from height, slipping or tripping at work - 93 of whom suffered fatal or serious injuries. Workplace injuries cost businesses in Aberdeen an estimated £4.5 million last year.

The issue of health and safety might seem daunting at first, with a wide range of potential problems to address. However, there is support out there to make the process simple.

The Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives (SCHWL) was established in 2005 and provides free and confidential expert advice and resources to help employers of all sizes, in all sectors, to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees.

Organisations which employ fewer than 250 people can request a free visit from Healthy Working Lives advisers, who can provide support which is specifically tailored to the occupational health needs of the workforce.

Alex Black, part of a team of Healthy Working Lives advisers working across Aberdeen and Grampian, explains: "These visits are designed to meet the needs of smaller organisations. Large businesses often have in-house expertise or employ consultants but our service is aimed at the small to medium enterprise sector that very often does not have the funds to buy in or employ staff for advice.

"When invited to visit at a time convenient for the organisation, I sit down and establish if there are any initial areas of concern that the organisation would like to focus on. I ask a range of questions to help develop my understanding of the premises, work activities, procedures, people involved and what current health and safety management measures are in place.

"Crucially, all assessments are confidential and no details are passed to enforcement agencies - the aim is to reduce the risks."

After the initial discussion, Healthy Working Lives advisers carry out a detailed assessment of health and safety requirements and provide the organisation with both verbal feedback and a written action plan. A follow-up visit is offered and ongoing support is available from the adviceline and the website.

With 2.2 million working days lost every year in Scotland through sickness absence (at a cost of £1.2bn), health promotion is another area becoming increasingly important for employers.

In 2006, the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives launched the Healthy Working Lives Awards to encourage employers to introduce measures and initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of their staff.

The Award Programme covers a wide range of topics including health promotion, mental health and well-being, community involvement, and health and the environment.

Employers achieve an Award by taking a number of steps such as promoting healthy eating and exercise programmes, smoking cessation classes, mental health and well-being promotion and the introduction of family-friendly policies such as parental leave.

There are three levels of award - Bronze, Silver and Gold - and a Mental Health and Wellbeing Commendation Award, which rewards good practice in promoting awareness of mental health issues including stress.

Since the launch of the award programme in April 2006, almost 1000 organisations have registered and taking part offers a range of benefits for organisations, including increased productivity due to reduced absence rates and help supporting staff return to work.

To request a free workplace visit or find out more about the Healthy Working Lives Awards, call free advice line on 0800 019 2211, or visit
www.healthyworkinglives.com