World First Plan to Help Workers fight Chronic Disease
Source: Victoria. Minister for Workcover. Media Release
"Victoria’s 2.6 million workers will have the chance to be screened for preventable diseases like diabetes, in a major world first initiative announced by Premier John Brumby.Mr Brumby, who has made tackling chronic disease one of his highest priorities, said the new initiative, WorkHealth, would be funded for five years under a $600 million fund to be set aside from WorkSafe’s surplus funds.“The epidemic of chronic disease ranks as one of the biggest issues of our time. Chronic disease threatens our economy, our quality of life, and our longevity,” Mr Brumby said.“Factors that increase the risk of chronic disease include poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol misuse, excess weight, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.“Workers who are overweight and at risk of developing a chronic disease like diabetes, stroke or heart disease are more likely to be injured at work.“WorkHealth will be the first program in the world to target the connection between chronic disease and workplace injury across an entire workforce."