All’s well in the workplace

WORKERS in Greater Dandenong are encouraged to assess and improve their wellbeing and they can start by receiving a free health check.
The free checks are being offered at Myer Dandenong store.
“The WorkHealth program is leading the way in assisting workplace communities to become healthy environments,” Myer Dandenong Store manager Maria Vaz said.
New figures from WorkHealth, a Victorian Government initiative which assesses workers’ risk of chronic disease, show that close to half of all workers tested in Greater Dandenong were at high risk of developing type two diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Other figures showed that 94 per cent tested were not getting enough fruit and vegetables, 79 per cent were not exercising enough, 21 per cent smoked and 33 per cent drank more than two glasses of alcohol a day.
Dandenong MP John Pandazopoulos, who visited the health checks last week, said the results were alarming.
“(The results) show how important it is for Dandenong workplaces to get on board and sign up to provide WorkHealth checks to their staff, as well as consider other workplace programs to enhance health and well-being,” he said.
WorkHealth acting director Rachel Gualano said that it was great to see many businesses in Dandenong taking up the opportunity to provide WorkHealth checks to their staff.
Mr Pandazopoulos encouraged other workers to get onto the WorkHealth website to sign up.
“The WorkHealth checks are a free, quick and confidential way for Victorian workers to get instant feedback on their blood pressure, cholesterol, and any risk of heart disease and diabetes,” Mr Pandazopoulos said.
“Alternatively, workers who haven’t had the opportunity to have a free WorkHealth check at their workplace can head down to Myer until 24 April to get checked.”
Employers and workers interested in arranging WorkHealth checks for their workers should visit the WorkHealth website at www.workhealth.vic.gov.au or contact WorkSafe on 1800 136 089.
Free Health checks are available at Myer Dandenong Plaza Shopping Centre during trading hours every Tuesday to Saturday from 16 March to 24 April.