Ford Offers Free WorkHealth Checks to Workers

SYDNEY – November 19, 2010: Ford Australia yesterday became the latest employer to sign up to provide WorkHealth checks to its workforce, as new data from the WorkHealth program revealed an alarming lack of health awareness among workers.

Speaking at the official launch of WorkHealth checks at Ford Australia’s Geelong plant today, WorkHealth Director Pam Anders said that the checks were providing a real wake-up call for many workers.

“One of the alarming the things we’ve found through our results is that half the workers found to have the highest risk of type 2 diabetes actually considered themselves to be in good health,” Ms Anders said.

“Few workers make the time to get a regular check-up from their GP, so having a WorkHealth check at work is a convenient way to find out if there are any issues that need addressing.”

A Monash University report, based on 200,000 WorkHealth checks delivered across Victoria, shows that 23.5% of workers tested had a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes and a further 4.4% had a high risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

The report also found that young workers (under 25 years) were more likely to drink more, smoke more, and eat less fruit and vegetables than their older counterparts.

Other key findings include:

More than 16% of all workers tested were found to be at high risk of both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

2011 workers were found to be at extreme risk and advised to seek medical attention within 24 hours; two thirds of these were male

Males were twice as likely as females to have a high risk of type 2 diabetes (29.8% of males and 15.9% of females)

Males were 3.6 times more likely than females to have a moderate or high risk of cardiovascular disease (27.4% of males and 7.6% of females)

A quarter of workers tested had high cholesterol

Women were more likely to drink alcohol at risky levels and have a waist circumference indicative of a greatly increased risk of chronic disease

70% of women aged under 25 drink alcohol at risky levels, compared to 54% of males

Machinery workers were most likely to have high risk of type 2 diabetes, while sales workers and professionals were least likely to be at high risk

Ford Australia's outgoing President and CEO, Marin Burela, said "the company is proud to work in conjunction with WorkSafe Victoria to launch this initiative".

"We genuinely believe that it is our collective responsibility to educate and make our people aware of the importance of regular health checks," Mr Burela said.

"We provide our customers with a manual for servicing their car but as a society there is no manual for checking our health, and there should be.

"This initiative builds on the commitment we at Ford have toward the safety and well being of our people by providing them with the right tools and knowledge to ensure their health is always our first and most important priority.

"We are incredibly proud to launch a health initiative of this magnitude."

Ms Anders said Ford was setting a great example for local employers. She called on all businesses in Geelong to “put their hand up” and offer these checks to their workers.

A summary of the WorkHealth Dataset Report is available from WorkHealth website workhealth.vic.gov.au.

About WorkHealth checks
WorkHealth checks test for risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, two of the most common yet preventable chronic diseases. The checks include a brief lifestyle survey together with measurement of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and waist circumference.

WorkHealth checks are completely confidential, take around 15 minutes and are delivered by trained health professionals. Participants receive their results on their spot, including advice on the healthy lifestyle habits that can help reduce any risk factors identified.

To sign up your workplace, visit workhealth.vic.gov.au or contact WorkSafe on 1800 136 089.