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IOSH Urges New Year Health And Safety Resolution

Europe's largest health and safety professional body has called on British employers to get 2009 off to the right start by making a resolution to help their staff stay healthy.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) says that while many of us will make resolutions this year to get fitter and healthier, and then go back to work and focus on the day job, help from employers in promoting employee health as part of the day job would help get people on track.

Nattasha Freeman, IOSH’s president, said:

"We spend a big part of our lives at work and support from an employer can make a huge difference in helping people follow a healthy life style.
"Workplaces should be encouraging people to lead healthy lives. Research shows that being at work is actually good for your health – provided you’re not under excessive pressure or in a working environment where risks with your safety are routinely taken."

IOSH is calling on businesses to make a resolution this year to:

  • promote work life balance by discouraging long working hours
  • promote good safety culture
  • clamp down on workplace bullying
  • create opportunities to enjoy a healthy lifestyle
"By doing this, not only will we cut the 229 deaths in British workplaces last year, we’ll also have a significant impact on the 299,000 serious injuries and 2.1 million cases of ill-health caused or made worse by work.
"There’s lots you can do to help your staff enjoy a healthy lifestyle both inside and outside of work.
  • allow more flexible working
  • encourage people to walk or cycle to work
  • offer healthy alternatives, like fruit, at meetings and working lunches
  • promote staff discounts at local leisure centres and health clubs
  • publish local walk information
  • encourage employees to set up and attend support groups or clubs, such as weight loss or sports activities." 

"Help to reduce stress on staff by setting reasonable deadlines and work demands and promoting good communication."

Source: IOSH



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