Seqwater wellness program wins Safe Work Award

The Seqwater wellness program was awarded the best workplace health and wellbeing initiative at the Queensland Safe Work Awards 2014.

At a ceremony at Suncorp Stadium, eight category winners were presented with Safe Work Awards for their outstanding contributions to the safety of Queensland workers.

More than 130 organisations and individuals entered this year’s awards.

Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Peter Dennis said he was honoured to accept the category 7 award for Seqwater’s Be Healthy, Be Wealthy wellness program.

“Be Healthy, Be Wealthy enables all staff to access information and initiatives to improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, despite the challenge of our wide geographical base across South East Queensland,” Dennis said.

“The program is holistic in nature, aiming to increase a healthier culture and healthier bodies and minds.

“This is achieved through wellness planning in consultation with employees, workplace health and safety committees, and management, as well as identifying wellbeing program needs through an annual staff feedback survey and organisational results from annual health assessments.”

Dennis said the Be Healthy, Be Wealthy calendar of events featured many popular activities and initiatives.

“Seqwater offers a free quit smoking program which includes 14 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy and contact with Quitline,” he said.

“We also provide workplace skin checks, flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance and gym memberships, and a free and confidential counselling program, along with various other targeted wellness initiatives and health seminars.

“Through the program we are aiming to reduce employee health risks, increase physical activity, provide opportunities for staff to participate in activities which will increase their health and wellbeing knowledge, and reduce employee stress.” Dennis said that in addition to the award, Seqwater had been asked by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland to share the wellbeing program with other employers.

“I’m delighted Be Healthy, Be Wealthy has been recognised with a Safe Work Award and congratulate all staff on their participation in what is an important program.

“Our staff are our greatest asset. We want everyone to go home from work each day safe and well.”