Londonderry Port launches 3-year health plan for workers

Londonderry Port has formally launched a new 3-year health plan which aims to “transform the health of our workforce”, says chief executive Brian McGrath.   “Here at the port, we want to provide the support our staff needs to tackle critical health issues such as fitness, healthy eating, and smoking cessation.   2011 highlights of the 3-year plan include proposals for an onsite gym, support from a personal trainer, staff team challenges and exercise and healthy eating initiatives,” he adds.

Port step challenge

Launching the Port’s Health Action Plan with a Team Step Challenge are steering group: L to R - Financial Controller Stephen Gillespie, EHS Officer Damien Rogers, Roisin Cooke and Michael Harkin.

“We have consulted widely with staff over the past few months and have been delighted with the response,” says Brian McGrath.   The Board of Harbour Commissioners has also fully backed the plan and has approved a special budget for the project, because it is just as important to invest in our staff as in our infrastructure and equipment.”

 “In 2011, we also plan to run healthy eating smoking cessation programmes, because these are areas where people need support.  The budget for this project will provide specialist support to all staff to help us stick to our new regime—as we all know how easy it can be to give up…”

 Brian McGrath says Londonderry Port is committed to improving the health of staff and believes that “if we really want to make this happen, then we need to invest in a practical and concrete way.  This is what the Health Action Plan is all about.”

“We have worked closely with Business in the Community to develop this plan because we want to invest in our workforce, and because improving the health of the workforce improves the health of any business, as well as reducing medical bills for workers,” he concludes.

To kick off the new Health Action Plan, EHS Officer at the port, Damien Rogers, has announced details of the Team Step Challenge, a 4-week programme which aims to increase of awareness of how much – or how little - walking we do every day.

“Staff are splitting up into teams and using pedometers, they will compete to see who can do the most – with prizes as incentives to get us all walking more,” he adds.  “We wanted to start the new programme with a manageable and fun way to ‘step up’ our fitness levels,” says Damien,