'MOT' check for builders

Around 40 employees, from office workers to carpenters and masons, are taking up the offer of health screening by qualified occupational health nurse, Nicky Pauncefort RGN OHND BSc Hons.

Managing Director, Simon Caklais, is delighted that Gilbert & Goode can offer this free health check to its staff and also to subcontractors: “We expect the highest standard of health and safety on our sites and we’re now taking this a step further and looking at the health and wellbeing of our workforce. “We want as many of our staff as possible to take advantage of this check-up and the best way to ensure this is to arrange the health sessions on site as part of their working day.

The take up has been brilliant and we’ve also set up a drop in centre for anyone who hasn’t booked a session but who wants free and confidential health advice.” As part of the MOT employees have their blood pressure and cholesterol tested, as well as being weighed and measured so their BMI can be calculated. Individuals are then offered advice on their general well-being and a healthy lifestyle.

“The first screening sessions were held two weeks ago and they proved their worth by identifying a small number of staff with high blood pressure or high levels of cholesterol,” says Simon. “These colleagues took Nicky’s advice and the follow-up checks today have already shown a marked improvement. A few people have also been advised to eat less mince pies this Christmas!”