O-299 “Heart Caring” Campaign – A People-Centered Approach to Promote Health and Wellbeing at Work

Introduction Most of the sudden deaths at the workplace not caused by accidents were found to be associated with cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular diseases from a recent study by OSHC. Most cases had personal risk factors related to unhealthy lifestyle e.g. poor eating habits, insufficient physical activity and chronic smoking, the construction workers and security guards were higher-risk groups. Material and methods Hence, in 2022, OSHC partnered with the Labour Department to embark on a 3-year “Heart Caring Campaign” (aiming to achieve “3 Early Interventions” – Screening – Prevention – Management) for them. Employers of the two industries were invited to sign a charter to maximize support and the on-site health checks enabled penetration to the target groups. Employees screened as “at risk” (those with pre or high BP, BMI>23 or central obesity) were invited to join a 12-week online health challenge. Short messages or videos were sent weekly through messaging APP, providing participants with healthy eating, exercising tips or encouragement. Results and discussion Since its launch, nearly 1,300 enterprises signed the Charter, and around 3,000 individuals completed on-site health checks. Over 86% were classified as “at-risk” and 62% of them joined an online health course. 87% of the participants considered that the course helped raise health awareness, most with physical health improved (improvement in one or more of the screening indicators). Some better performing participants indicated that adoption of a healthier lifestyle since joining the course helped achieve significant health improvement, including weight lost and improved BP in 12 weeks. Conclusion Through the campaign, personalized support was provided to workers and help prevent premature deaths at the workplace.