Saving Lives In Construction – New Initiative To Lower Workers’ Risk Of Stroke

A new health initiative with the potential to save lives
in the construction industry will launch at Wainuiomata High
School on February 22, 2023.

Health15 is a new
one-of-a-kind programme that brings free blood pressure
tests and expert health and wellbeing advice directly to
construction workers, to lower the risk of stroke among this
vulnerable group.

Construction workers often work long
hours, carrying out physically demanding mahi at a fast
pace. This can make it hard to prioritise a healthy
lifestyle or take the time to attend important health
appointments.

It’s an industry where the “she’ll
be alright” attitude is common, and the foundations for
future long-term health conditions are laid.

That’s
why the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand has partnered with
Project Managers, The Building Intelligence Group (TBIG) to
develop an exciting new initiative to help construction
workers spot the early warning signs of stroke and ease an
economic burden which costs the country $1.1 billion per
year.

The launch event will take place at Wainuiomata
High School on February 22, 2023, at 9:30am. Guests,
including the Naylor Love construction team and TBIG, will
receive a full demonstration of the Health15 programme, a
chance to explore one of the Stroke Foundation’s mobile
testing vans, and a free blood pressure
check.

Feedback on the scheme has been overwhelmingly
positive. Following a successful pilot event in November, 77
per cent of guests said they learnt something new from
Health15, 83 per cent planned to make lifestyle changes
based on what they learnt, and four per cent had to seek
immediate follow-up medical advice because of the results of
their screening.

Stroke Foundation CEO Jo Lambert
said: “Around 9,500 New Zealanders experience a stroke
every year. Long-term sick leave taken by a single employee
can cost a company up to $1,000 a year, with an estimated
economic price tag of $1.79 billion per year
nationwide.

“The impact on peoples’ lives is
immeasurable. Stroke can rob you of your independence –
and your ability to work – in an instant. That’s why
prevention is so important. We know workers have busy lives,
but the earlier they spot the signs of stroke, the
better.

“Health15 makes it easy for workers to have
their blood pressure checked by coming directly to their
work sites and paying for any fees they incur in immediate
follow-up medical appointments.”

TBIG project
director Jamie Summers says: “We are delighted to partner
with the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand to bring this
exciting new health initiative to life for construction
workers across New Zealand.

“Projects are about
people. It’s a core value we’ve maintained as project
managers for more 30 years. With national coverage, TBIG is
well placed to support this amazing initiative.

“As
a stroke survivor with over 25-years’ experience in
construction, I know the risks that come with carrying out
physically demanding work in a high stress environment, and
how important it is to look after your health and
wellbeing.

“The good news is 75 per cent of strokes
are preventable, which is why Health15 is so important. We
have a chance to save lives by reaching workers who
wouldn’t usually have time to access this vital health
screening.”

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