Wales Health at Work Partnership hosts conference

The newly formed Wales Health at Work Partnership (WHWP) hosted the Wales Health at Work Summit in Llandudno on October 10.

The WHWP is a partnership whose members include Public Health Wales, the Welsh Government, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and the Local Government Association. The aim of WHWP is to improve health and wellbeing at work. One way this is done is through sharing information about health and safety strategies, risk management and the latest developments in equipment such as PPE (personal protective equipment).

The WHWP told the attendees at the summit that they have a pivotal role in creating lasting beneficial change to make workplaces in Wales safer.

Councillor Dafydd Meurig, a spokesperson for the Welsh Local Government Association, said:

“Ill health in Welsh workplaces continues to take a heavy toll. Our end goal must be to see lasting improvements, so we urge all those with a shared interest to join us in this mission.”

The deputy director of the HSE, Peter Brown, said that his organisation was delighted to be part of the WHWP, but recognized that significant improvement in workers’ health and safety take time. Working in partnership is an important step to make a difference.

The summit chair, Jyoti Atri, agreed and said:

“Working together we will bring improved outcomes for health and wellbeing through work.”

The summit speakers focused on two key areas that affect workers’ health in Wales, stress and mental wellbeing, as well as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).