A new report from the Queensland Futures Institute (QFI) reveals that Queensland’s mining and resources sector is facing a growing economic threat from rising rates of overweight and obesity among its workforce.
The report, supported by Novo Nordisk, shows up to 87% of the state’s mining workforce may be overweight or obese, with absenteeism, presenteeism, and workers’ compensation costs rising sharply.
Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers with multiple health risks cost companies an estimated $20.96 million per 1,000 workers per year in lost productivity.
As such, the QFI is charting a prevention-first path to a healthier, more productive workforce.
By reducing risk factors, companies can lower absenteeism, reduce workers’ compensation costs, pass pre-employment assessments more consistently, and tap into a larger, healthier talent pool – which directly addresses skills pressure as the workforce ages.
The institute says developing sector-specific clinical guidelines for prevention, early intervention, and management, as well as integrating primary care and telehealth for remote workers will prompt change.
In conjunction, the QFI intends to expand tailored programs across shift work and remote sites such as nutrition access and education, movement and sleep support, alongside mental health integration.
As Mining.com.au previously reported, Australia’s mining and resources sector faces a mental health crisis, with the industry’s suicide rates being 80% higher than the national average, according to MATES in Mining.
QFI Chief Executive Steve Greenwood says the state’s resources sector aims to treat health as productivity infrastructure and working with government, clinicians, and communities to get results.
“QFI is proud to convene this effort with Novo Nordisk to help Queenslanders live healthier, more productive lives,” Greenwood says.
The Queensland Futures Institute is an independent, member-funded think-tank that brings business, government, and community leaders together to shape Queensland’s long-term economic, social, and regional prosperity.
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company, founded in 1923, headquartered in Denmark.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
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