With more than 850 staff, Adelaide City Council has a strong, ongoing commitment to the health and safety of its workers. Over the past three years, Council has built an intensive and holistic Employee Health Program.
Council’s Occupational Health and Safety Consultant, Mark Jentsch, said that under the program, Council has introduced a broad range of initiatives, at a level where employees can avoid injury by increasing their fitness.
“It brings a positive aspect to working life and demonstrates Council’s commitment to its staff,” he said.
One aspect of the program – the Step Up program – is part of the Local Government Association of South Australia’s Healthy Lifestyle Program. The initiative runs annually and comprises a 45 minute information and motivational workshop, where up to 72 staff members are provided with a pedometer, and the inspiration to take part in a walking challenge for the rest of the year.
All staff members are also encouraged to take up free health assessments and advice, which include blood, glucose, cholesterol, vision and cardiac checks, as well as basic back care. Staff can also access skin assessments, where they are screened for melanomas in a ten minute test carried out by a local GP.
Mark Jentsch said Council has also introduced Weight Watchers sessions. In 2007, 30 staff members undertook the program. The 23 staff members that completed the program lost around 300 kilograms between them.
“This is a great result and obviously a fitter, healthier workforce is a more happy and productive one,” Mark Jentsch said.
“Our staff are feeling and looking better and Council is benefiting as well.”
Council has also introduced the popular Corporate Chair Massage.
“While we have a number of initiatives that focus on staff working to become healthier, we also want to reward them for their efforts,” he said. “We have engaged a masseuse to visit Council once a week and provide 15 minute massages. Any staff member can sign up for a massage and Council subsidises half the cost, while the staff member pays the rest.”
Other initiatives under the Employee Health Program include a comprehensive immunisation program, with vaccinations for the flu, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and tetanus, as well as Council subsidies for health club memberships, enabling staff to undertake classes such as pilates and yoga.
For further information contact Mark Jentsch on (08) 8203 7203.
