Benefits for business

• Free health and safety advice and support to small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) (5 to 250 Employees).
• Free occupational health advice and support to SMEs and signposting service for additional support. SMEs are the most likely NOT to have direct access to occupational health services.
• Worker Safety Advisers promote the involvement of the workers in health and safety in their workplace.
• Raising health and safety standards in the workplace.

Benefits for workers

• Free confidential advice and support for workers from SMEs whose health is affected by work related issues.
• Help individuals to remain in or return to work quickly following work-related ill health.
• Improved health and wellbeing.
• Financial security from employment.
• Referral to specialist advice and support in appropriate circumstances.

Benefits for partners

• Local and quick referral route for GPs and Health Professionals with patients with work related health issues.
• Reduction in number of patient visits to GPs.
• Reduction in number of new claims for incapacity benefit.
• Healthier/ wealthier workforce.

The partnership is developing a range of easy access points to the service in a variety of locations throughout Kirklees to maximise uptake. Website development is ongoing and a range of information leaflets about the services offered is available. Work is progressing to develop a network of additional support agencies (likely to be chargeable) for businesses and/or individuals.

Better Health at Work is a partnership between Kirklees M.C., local Primary Care Trusts, Jobcentre Plus and HSE, and is funded in part by Kirklees Neighbourhood Renewal Funding and HSE.