Onsite health MoTs for builders announced

The Westminster government is hoping that thousands of builders will take part in a potentially life-saving health-check programme.The so-called health MoT, which already exists for those aged over 40 and who are not already known to be suffering from cardiovascular conditions, involves weighing and measuring participants, as well as testing their blood pressure and cholesterol level.Now healthcare professionals are set to ask employees to take part and answer a series of questions about their health, aiming to identify those at high risk of problems such as heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.The National Federation of Builders has urged the construction industry to support the initiative.The Department of Health and Social Care announced on Friday (30 August) that it is seeking to roll out the check-ups to workplaces across England, including to building sites.Some businesses have already signed up to take part, but it is not known how many construction firms across the country have done so yet, as individual local authorities are managing the scheme’s contact with businesses.Minister for public health Andrew Gwynne said: “We know so many deadly diseases can be avoided if we seek help in enough time. That’s why we’re working to improve access to treatment while also taking steps to address the preventable causes of cardiovascular disease.“This innovative new programme is an important step towards community-focused healthcare and supporting economic productivity through improving health, shifting the focus from treatment to prevention, easing the strain on the NHS and helping people to live well for longer.”More than 16 million people are eligible for an NHS Health Check, but only around 40 per cent get them, the department said.Men are less likely to get help and more likely to develop cardiovascular disease at an earlier age than women.The department said its programme aimed to make it more convenient for people to take part, and to understand and improve their cardiovascular health.David Hargroves, the NHS national clinical director for stroke, said: “Convenient and efficient NHS checks in the workplace could spot thousands of people at risk of a range of cardiovascular diseases, and with high blood pressure the biggest risk factor for stroke, early detection will undoubtedly save lives.“This new programme shows the NHS is committed to preventing ill-health, and I would urge anyone invited for a check to come forward and get support to improve their cardiovascular health.”National Federation of Builders head of policy and market insight Rico Wojtulewicz told Construction News that he would encourage as many employers as possible to participate.“[Healthcare charity] Nuffield Health says that 65 per cent of men avoid seeking medical help for as long as possible when they’re unwell, and with 86 per cent of the construction industry being male, all companies who can accommodate and offer health testing should get involved with this scheme,” he said.