Workers set to kick butt on construction of Queensland Children's Hospital

A new program aimed at improving the health of construction workers is targeting smoking rates in the industry, which are higher than in any other.

The Kickin' Butt program offers workers at the new Queensland Children's Hospital site the chance to access support to quit smoking. It's open to all workers on-site and is provided by Queensland Health in conjunction with principal contractor Abigroup.

The 16-week Kickin' Butt program provides workers with counselling from the Queensland Government Quitline service as well as access to nicotine replacement therapy at no cost. Current smokers, along with their partners and any immediate family members that they live with are eligible to participate.

Since the launch event, 121 workers and family members have registered to participate.

The support from the principal contractor in endorsing and promoting the program has been crucial. Abigroup has also organised training for 10 workers to become 'quit buddies', providing on-site support and referral for those going through the quitting process.

Over the next 16 weeks these workers will have an opportunity to make a positive change to their lifestyle and increase their health and wellbeing, leading to increased productivity for the project. More workers will have the opportunity to participate as the program continues at the Queensland Children's Hospital site over the next year.

This program is part of the Queensland Workplaces for Wellness Initiative, a joint Australian state and territory government initiative under the national Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health.

Further information

For more information on implementing a health and wellbeing initiative at your workplace, please contact the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline on 1300 369 915.