Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Friday, 31 October, 2014. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Council’s innovative approach to promoting a healthy workplace recognised

The Workplace Health and Wellbeing Program commenced in 2012 with the aim of providing a work place environment where every employee, volunteer, contractor and visitor knows their health and wellbeing is valued.

The program comprises:

A Safety and Health and Wellbeing Policy statement
An educational campaign to promote social connection and an awareness of both physical health and mental wellbeing
A healthy eating policy and promotion of healthy choice options
Provision of physical activity opportunities that fit in and around working requirements

“The success of the program is due to being underpinned by policy ensuring that Council has a specific and consistent focus on the health and well-being of our staff”, explains Council CEO Gavin Cator. “Undertaking a holistic approach to our staff’s physical and emotional health increases the likelihood of them being healthier and happier and more productive.”

The award win acknowledges the high level of success achieved by the program including reducing the number of sick days across the organisation and decreasing workplace injury rates and claims via key initiatives such as making fruit available in the workplace, skin checks, healthy eating information sessions and office energy breaks.

“By targeting modifiable lifestyle risk factors it is possible to remove or reduce the impact of related negative outcomes and chronic disease, reduce workplace injury, absenteeism and increase productivity”, said Mr Cator. “We have a highly motivated team who are committed to preserving the health and well-being of our staff, so this award win is a credit to them.”

The GV Safety Group Annual Awards and breakfast is held in October each year in conjunction with the Victorian Work Cover Authority (formally WorkSafe). The awards acknowledge and showcase best practice approaches to all aspects of health and safety across the Goulburn Valley.