Health at work: a survey of attitudes,activities and needs of businesses in inner Birmingham

Abstract

In the summer of 1993 Birmingham City Council commissioned MEL Research to undertake a survey of health promotion activity within small and medium-sized enterprises located in Birmingham's inner city, an area of material deprivation. The purpose of the survey was to build up a baseline of information which would underpin service planning. The research team found the responding companies to be enthusiastic about occupational health issues in principle rather than practice. Nevertheless, about a third had a smoking policy and a similar number an alcohol policy. They were generally happy to promote physical activity and were keen to apply for Heartbeat Awards. Many wanted help in developing an HIV/AIDS policy. This article concludes with a description of the services provided in response to the needs identified by this survey.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Health Education Authority. Health Promotion in the Workplace: a Summary. London: HEA, 1993.

Department of Health. The Health of the Nation . London: HMSO, 1992.

Confederation of British Industry. Workplace Health Promotion Survey. London: CBI, 1993.

Health and Safety Executive. The Costs to the British Economy of Work-Related Ill Health. HSE, 1994.

Office of Population Censuses and Surveys. Cigarette smoking 1972 to 1990. Monitor SS 1991: 91/3.26/11/91.