Primary care support

Patient services aim to reduce and mitigate the impact of work-related ill health. Advisers, available in surgeries and the city walk-in centre, provide confidential advice on health and safety issues, work hazards, ergonomics, employment law, and rehabilitation.

Health @ Work also provides a range of services to GPs and surgery staff, including: health and safety advice and inspections; disability access and stress audits; a telephone help-line; risk management training; GP Health and Safety Pack; and 'work-life' balance and managing sickness absence advice.

Small business support

Merseyside's 26,000 companies are mostly SMEs, which have a high rate of accidents and illness at work, and limited access to support. Environmental Health Departments and the HSE refer businesses to Health @ Work's adviser based at the Chamber of Commerce.

Smoke free workplaces

The Smoke Free Liverpool group aims to help all Liverpool workplaces become 'smoke free' by 2008. Partners include Environmental Health, Liverpool Chamber, North West TUC, Merseyside Health Promotions, Fagends Cessation Services, and National Clean Air Awards.

Northwest Contact Centres Project

This project aims to improve health, safety and productivity in call and contact centres.

Training, conferences and publications

Health @ Work organises training; conferences, such as the North West Occupational Health and Safety Group Conference; and publications including Health and Safety Starter Packs for Small Businesses and General Practice, and a Voluntary Sector Health and Safety Handbook.

Funding

Currently funded by PCTs, SRB6, DTI, HSE, Community Fund and DoH Section 64.