(Pictured: Sam Soliman, Boxing Champion and Healthbreak Ambassador)

Wayne Mader, TWU (Vic/Tas) Branch Secretary

“The Union is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of its members by providing members and the general workforce in the transport industry with access to free and confidential workplace health checks. 

Transport workers, like the general community, are facing serious health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stress and depression, skin cancer and sleep apnoea.  These are issues the Union takes seriously. 

By providing access to health services such as workplace health checks, the Union is showing leadership and creating a health consciousness among workers.”

History

In 2003, funded by Worksafe and the Transport Accident Commission, the Union commenced screening for excessive sleepiness/fatigue, sleep disorders, and cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and smoking.  Between 2003 and 2005 11,992 transport workers participated in the program, with 3975 undertaking health checks.

The results were compelling: 19% of drivers had a high or very high level of sleepiness, 24% of drivers were at a high or very high risk of having sleep apnoea and required further evaluation; 3% of drivers had undiagnosed diabetes, with a further 18% of drivers having a moderately elevated glucose; 215 drivers were referred for urgent follow up of medical problems and a further 1,670 drivers were referred for non-urgent medical follow up of one or more conditions.

2010 Program

In 2010, with funding from the Department of Transport and in partnership with the Institute for Breathing and Sleep at the Austin Hospital, the Union will test 1000 drivers for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.  The aim of the 2010 Healthbreak program will be to improve understanding of the prevalence and severity of sleep apnoea and to learn about the best ways of detecting and managing sleep apnoea so as to improve safety levels in the transport and logistics industry.

Healthbreak workplace checks are:
+    confidential
+    quick & easy
+    instant feedback
+    important for your health & well-being.

 If you are interested in particpating in the Healthbreak Program please call 1300 727 614.