A leading Cornish construction company recently provided free health checks to its staff and subcontractors
St Austell-based Gilbert & Goode offered health screening at a number of sites in Devon and Cornwall, with around 30 workers participating.
As part of the health screen, employees had their blood pressure and cholesterol tested, alongside being weighed and measured to calculate their BMI. Individuals were then offered advice on general wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle.
Gilbert & Goode’s managing director Simon Caklais said: “We expect the highest standard of health and safety on our construction sites and we’re now taking this a step further and looking at the health and wellbeing of our workforce.”
In April 2018, research conducted by Westfield Health established that 64% of construction workers wanted better health and wellbeing support from their employers.
The Health and Safety Executive suggests that a fitter, healthier, happier workforce can enable productivity and prosperity.
Mike Pelan, site manager for Gilbert & Goode, took part in these health checks. He said: “I found the health checks very informative, and have taken away lots of useful information that I can put in place.
“It’s great that Gilbert & Goode have rolled out the health checks to all their contractors as well, they have really appreciated being included. The company is taking a very positive step to encourage health and wellbeing in the building industry.”
Gilbert & Goode, which employs 85 people, is one of the largest Cornish construction businesses in the region. Established in 1972, its portfolio includes major building and refurbishment projects, and building new homes.
