For those in employment, work can have a positive effect on health in terms of physical, social and mental well being.

However, work can have a damaging effect on health if risks created in the workplace are not recognised and reduced. Issues such as work related stress, musculoskeletal disorders, asthma and dermatitis are now more common than physical injury at work.

Employers can assist in tackling wider public health issues such as obesity, healthy eating, exercise, smoking, drugs and alcohol by introducing small changes in:-

• working practices,
• employment arrangements and
• workplace facilities.

Improving the health of their workforce (and customers) is a clear benefit to the employer in terms of improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and public relations.

Healthy Working Community is an initiative to bring together the local authority, the Health and Safety Executive, the Primary Care Trust, employers, community groups, and other service providers to deliver improvements to these issues.

We have produced a Workplace Health Directory (see 'Downloads') as a guide to some of the services available to local employers and to help you to access the support you need to make positive health changes at work for your employees.

If you want to know more please contact us.

Remember ... Good health is good business!