15 September 2009
Health Screening on Wheels at the door-steps of workplaces
From 17 September 2009, individuals working in industrial estates will find it more convenient to go for health screening when a mobile screening bus starts making its rounds to their workplaces.
Health Screening at Workplaces
2 According to the National Workplace Health Promotion Survey 2006, one in two companies facilitate onsite health screening for their employees. However, there remains a need to scale up efforts to reach out to various segments of the working population, especially those from the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to raise awareness of the seriousness of chronic diseases.
3 Recognising this , the National Tripartite Committee on Workplace Health, supported by the Health Promotion Board, will be introducing the Health Screening on Wheels programme. Under this new offering, a mobile screening bus will be deployed to workplaces, particularly targeting SMEs located in industrial estates.
4 The Health Screening on Wheels programme will make health screening for chronic diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes more accessible to employees aged 40 years and above. After the health screening, participants will receive a personal report of their health status.
5 Under this programme, those tested with abnormal results will receive a follow-up phone call by the service provider to remind them to follow up with their company doctor, family doctor or a Chronic Disease Management Programme-registered (CDMP) GP clinic.
6 The mobile screening bus is just one of the initiatives mooted by the National Tripartite Committee on Workplace Health to spur both employers and employees to make every workplace a healthy one. Small and medium enterprises, in particular, are encouraged to capitalise on the Health Screening on Wheels programme as a first step towards helping their employees take charge of their health, said Co-Chairman of the National Tripartite Committee on Workplace Health , Mr Lucas Chow, who is Chairman of the Health Promotion Board.
7 Health is a key factor for employability, especially for older workers. With health screening made accessible and affordable to all workplaces, I encourage all employees aged 40 years and above to take charge of their health today. Participation in health screening will enable employees to monitor their basic health-risks profile. For employees who are healthy, continue to lead a healthy lifestyle. If they have a chronic condition(s), manage it well so that it doesn t get worse. Stay healthy for continued employability, said Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Co-Chairman, of the National Tripartite Committee on Workplace Health , also Alignment Director, (Quality Worklife), NTUC.
8 Mr Ee Chee Hong, Chief Executive Officer of CapitaLand Commercial Limited, said, "Our properties are not just functional spaces for rent; we believe in providing conducive environments for work, play and interaction. Supporting the Health Screening on Wheels programme brings affordable health screening to the doorstep of some 4,000 employees who are based at our high-tech industrial property, Technopark @Chai Chee. This worthwhile effort certainly complements our tenant wellness activities which promote healthy lifestyles and enhance the overall well-being and productivity of our tenants.
Launch of the Health Screening on Wheels Programme
9 On 17 September 2009, Minister for Health, Mr Khaw Boon Wan will be at Technopark @Chai Chee, the inaugural site of the mobile screening bus that offers workplaces health screening services at their doorstep.
About the National Tripartite Committee on Workplace Health
10 The National Tripartite Committee on Workplace Health was formed in December 2008 to bring down ill-health at workplaces. The tripartite committee is co-chaired by Mr Lucas Chow, Chairman of the Health Promotion Board and Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Alignment Director, (Quality Worklife), NTUC.
11 Three sub-committees have been set up to review existing strategies and health promotion programmes, as well as to formulate new approaches and recommendations.
Sub-Committee 1 - Expansion of the Workplace Health Promotion Framework
Sub-Committee 2 - Engaging employers, especially SMEs, specific industry sectors and occupational groups.
Sub-Committee 3 - Engaging employees by formulating strategies to overcome barriers and increase employee participation in workplace health promotion programmes.
Details of the key focus areas of the Committee and Sub-Committees are in Annex 1.
About Workplace Health Promotion for SMEs
12 To make workplace health promotion programmes more easily accessible to SMEs, HPB had piloted a programme with commercial and industrial building owners in September 2008. Please refer to Annex 2.
13 An enhanced workplace health promotion grant for SMEs was also introduced in April 2009. Please refer to Annex 3.