Each year our Occupational Health provider, RPS, produces a high level report on the headline findings from the health checks performed on employees.  No individuals are identified in the report – it is a summary of overall trends to help us formulate our health strategy.  The information gives an indication of how well our health promotion and workplace interventions are working, with the overall objectives of reducing risk from occupational health conditions and improving the health and wellbeing of our employees.

RPS has provided our occupational health needs since 2013 and in that time have carried out over 5,000 individual health checks.  Most employees are seen every two years with those at higher risk of exposure to occupational health risks seen more frequently.

For the first time this year the data has been compared to UK public health data, to determine how well we are doing in improving the health of our employees.  What the data suggests is that the average CEMEX employee is healthier than the general population.  This is good news and furthermore we are seeing an improvement in key health indicators:

• Reduction in obesity
• Fewer people smoking
• Improved blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol
• Lower incidence of diabetes
• Improved skin condition – possibly helped by the gloves policy in operational areas
• Lower incidence of respiratory disorders

A couple of areas where further work is needed are musculo-skeletal disorders and noise/hearing issues, with plans to focus on these areas in the next 12 months.

At the beginning of 2017 the option of a blood test was introduced and so far 50% of employees have elected to take advantage of this additional benefit.  The test results are a good indication of your overall health and can give early indicators of potential health problems.

Over 30% of employees having the test were advised to seek further medical help from their GP and, while most would have been for advice on reducing cholesterol levels or weight loss, there have been some more serious conditions identified.  Some individuals have shared their stories with us in the hope of helping to promote the benefits.  One example is of people finding they are pre-diabetic and thereby being able to make lifestyle changes to help prevent the full onset of the illness.

In conclusion, the latest data indicates that our overall health and wellbeing strategy is beginning to have an effect in improving the health of employees.  As well as awareness campaigns, there have been exercise campaigns. (The Pedometer Challenge was held for the fourth year in 2017), weight loss clubs, healthy eating initiatives, (fruit at work), and even “Lend-A-Hand” events where employees usually in sedentary roles get the chance of physical work for a day.

It is important that everyone attends health surveillance whatever their role, in addition to ensuring your work is not causing you harm it will also give you insight into your overall health and enable lifestyle changes to be made if necessary or desired.  Being fit and healthy is a personal choice, but being harmed by your work is unacceptable so ensure you have the necessary checks.