An Innovative Partnership Towards Wellbeing in the Construction Industry in Northern Ireland

Some Occupational Health Facts (UK) 1,000 + construction tradesmen die each year from asbestos related diseases. 600 + construction workers die every year from silica related lung cancer. 72 construction workers were killed in accidents at work in 2007/08. Construction has above the all industry average incident rates in the following:- - Diffuse Pleural Thickening - Asbestosis - Mesothelioma - Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome - Upper Limb Disorders 1.7 million days were lost in 2007/08 due to work related ill health which equates to 0.77 days per worker. 1 million days were lost in 2007/08 due to work place injury which equates to 0.45 days per worker.

Occupational Health A Profile of our Industry: Some Thoughts 1. Employee health issues are not recognised as being important. 2. Specific/individual occupational health issues are not usually addressed until they become an issue. 3. The costs of occupational health issues are not known or understood. 4. There is perceived to be a lack of information and assistance available to address occupational issues. 5. The return on occupational health investment is deemed not to be significant or worthwhile. 6. Health is not given the same level of attention as safety in our health and safety management systems. 7. Transient Industry difficult to track people s health. 8. Male dominated industry.

Health Issues in Construction The Top Six 1.Back Pain and Musculoskeletal Disorders 2.Noise induced hearing loss 3.Respiratory problems 4. Hand Arm Vibration 5. Skin problems/dermatitis 6.Lifestyle

Occupational Ill Health The Costs AVERAGE COST OF AN ILL HEALTH CASE (SOURCE: ECONOMIC APPRAISAL UNIT, HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE 2008) Human Cost (pain and suffering) Lost Output (labour and sick pay) Resource Costs (administration, recruitment etc) 6,700 2,700 800 TOTAL 10,200 Cost of one day s absence = 666 per employee (all sectors) (Source: ACAS 2011)

About BuildHealth Commenced 2007 Partnership between HSE and major Construction Companies Aim To improve the health of the workforce in the Northern Ireland Construction Workforce by:- preventing and managing work related risks to health. effective management of the ill employee including rehabilitation. using the construction workplace as an environment in which health can be promoted. Key Aspect It encourages major contractors to work together to improve occupational health performance on construction sites.

BuildHealth Activities Health Awareness Events Seminars Development and Delivery of a Standard Health Management Plan on Sites Exemplar Sites and BuildHealth Champions Information Leaflets Web Site Quarterly Committee Meetings

DRD Roads Service Farrans Construction Gilbert-Ash Graham Construction Ferrovial Agroman H + J Martin Henry Brothers HSENI Lagan Group McAleer & Rushe McLaughlin & Harvey McNicholas Mivan O Hare & McGovern Patton Portview Fit-Out T&A Kernoghan Woodvale Construction BuildHealth Members

Towards Wellbeing A BuildHealth Management Plan Key Tasks 1. Review risk assessments to include health issues. 2. Monitor and review ill health related absences and reduce. 3. Facilitate earlier return to work of absent employees. 4. Ensure workers undertaking safety related work meet fitness standards required 5. Deliver regular health related tool box talks. 6. Deliver a health promotion event. 7. Showcase practices to other contractors. 8. Network with champions on other exemplar sites. 9. Prepare and distribute reports learning points for others.

Wellbeing The BuildHealth Perspective 1) The promotion of wellbeing extends the working lives of construction workers. 2) Effective wellbeing promotion and sound occupational health practice is good for business. Clients expect it Reduces absence Leads to early identification of health issues Well received by employees. 3) Helps members comply with legislation. 4) Acts as a catalyst for the development of a positive culture and commitment to employee engagement.

BuildHealth Successes to Date 1. Occupational Health is now a key result area on exemplar sites. 2. Direct employees and supply chain now receive advice, guidance and support on occupational health and wellbeing issues. 3. Exemplar sites have provided a successful template for others to follow. 4. BuildHealth website 5. Methodology now in place for private sector and HSE to work together successfully on initiatives. 6. Positive effect on bottom line: Reduced absence Early detection/action on ill health. Managers now know how to integrate health into their activities Risk assessments Site rules Absence management Early return to work

Key Elements to Success/Avoiding Pitfalls 1. Senior Management Commitment 2. Co-operation between major contractors 3. Hard working steering committee 4. Champions embrace the role and believe in it 5. Ongoing support/networking for Champion 6. Easily accessible advice and guidance

BuildHealth Website Contents About BuildHealth Committee Information/Minutes of Meetings Objectives Information Sheets -Asbestos -Noise - Dermatitis - Managing the Ill Employee - HAVS - Harm from Smoking and Drinking - Dust Related Diseases - Standards for Safety Critical Work - Musculoskeletal Disorders - Statutory Health Surveillance Frequently Asked Questions Links to External Resources Events Plan of Work

Member Initiatives

QUESTIONS???