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Wednesday 19 Jun 2013

Workers on track to better health at Birmingham New Street

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Construction workers rebuilding Birmingham New Street station are being shown how to live a healthier lifestyle. Network Rail and delivery partner Mace have been working together to raise awareness of the health and well being of the workforce on what is one of the largest construction projects in the West Midlands.

The programme has been launched to offer advice and support about health related risks in the workplace such as hand-arm vibration, how to respond in an emergency situation and provide complimentary health check ups.

Chris Montgomery, project director for Network Rail said: “Following the successful completion of the first half of the new station in April, we now have over 1,000 people working round the clock behind the scenes transforming the old concourse at New Street. We take our responsibilities to our people and contractors seriously and through this scheme we’re determined that our team stays fit and healthy while they deliver what will be a fantastic station for Birmingham.”

Network Rail and Mace are also working closely with the British Heart Foundation to deliver first aid training for workers on the project.

Ian Painter, area development manager at British Heart Foundation, said: “We’re working with the team at New Street to teach skills that could truly mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. The BHF ‘Heartstart’ programme teaches people what to do in an emergency situation including assessing an unconscious patient, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), dealing with choking or serious bleeding and helping someone that might be having a heart attack.”

To kick start the campaign and encourage improved lifestyle choices, a six week challenge has been set in partnership with Activity 4 Charity, with participants in teams of 5 attempting to each take 10,000 steps per day.

Luke Murrell, CEO of Activity 4 Charity said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Birmingham New Street redevelopment team to promote the important health benefits of daily physical activity as well as promoting some healthy team competition amongst those involved!”

All proceeds raised during the challenge will be donated to the British Heart Foundation and MacMillan cancer support.