The Age:
Written By: Nick Miller
May 18, 2009
Employer groups have abandoned the State Government's WorkHealth program,
which could end up a fraction of its intended size, in a major embarrassment for
Premier John Brumby, who promised every Victorian worker would be offered
a free health check.
The five-year, $218 million plan, announced in March last year, was to
draw from WorkSafe's $600 million surplus to check Victoria's 2.6 million
workers for early signs of preventable diseases such as diabetes, stroke and
heart disease.
It was hailed a world-first opportunity to improve the health of GP-shy
blue-collar workers. Mr Brumby called it "one of our Government's best-ever
investments".
But The Age has discovered at least two leading employer associations have
decided not to take part, due to privacy and legal concerns.
As the scheme relies on employer sign-on, this could cut hundreds of
thousands of Victorians from access to WorkHealth.
In a regional roll-out that began in March, about 500 firms were invited to
take part, but only 80 — representing 4000 workers — applied.
Unions have also flagged doubts about WorkHealth. The Age believes some
unions are considering a separate men's health program as a more
palatable alternative.
The Master Builders Association, which represents more than 7000 builders,
sub-contractors and suppliers, has decided not to support the program.
State executive director Brian Welch said the MBA was in favour of public
health programs, but the link between WorkHealth and WorkSafe was
inappropriate and could lead to legal and privacy problems.
"I don't wish to go into the risks … but it's a peculiar idea to co-exist an institution
aimed at health (with WorkSafe)," Mr Welch said."Employers are not happy
opening up information on staff and so on that may, at some point in the
future, lead to prosecution, or act against them at some point on other matters.
It just doesn't make sense to us and sets up risks we don't think should be there."
His concerns were echoed by David Purchase, executive director of the 5500-
member Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce, which was "just one
step short" of formally resolving not to participate in WorkHealth. "We don't
believe WorkCover should be involved in this exercise," he said.
VACC members were worried that health problems identified by
WorkHealth would be blamed on the employer by the employee or unions.
The Age believes at least one other major employer group with more than
800 members is against WorkHealth. Among unions, the Construction,
Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has expressed doubt. Bill Oliver,
assistant state secretary, said: "There's a suggestion it's about getting people
off WorkCover (injury claims) early."
The project officially began in March in some areas, with a Melbourne roll-out
due at the end of July. A WorkSafe spokesman said privacy concerns had been
addressed by ensuring the anonymity of health data. "We are working with all
stakeholders to try to address their concerns," he said. "We think there are
plenty of benefits."
A Government spokesman said the program was strongly supported by
employer groups, including the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce
and Industry, insurance company AIG and health organisations.
"The employer groups that have actually run the program in their own
workplaces are, frankly, a better test of employer reaction than a couple of
associations that have not," the spokesman said.
KEY POINTS : Only 80 out of 500 firms have signed on to WorkHealth.
WCV's: $218 Million being spent on a program nobody wants ! They had better
be joking!!!. If the govenment can afford to spend this amount on this bullshit
program then they can afford to include all injured workers in the changes
already made.
If Worksafe have a $600 million dollar surplus, then why are we being
told by Mr Holdings office that Worksafe/Government could not afford to include
all injured workers in the Bracks changes?
Who is lying and why?
Mr Holding and Mr Brumby, Just include us as you should !
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