Construction workers encouraged to quit smoking for "health day"

Hundreds of building workers are being encouraged to quit smoking at an on-site 'health day'.

The day - on one of the major construction sites in the city - will focus on health issues, highlighting the dangers of smoking - with a Smokalyzer Breath Test allowing workers to test how much carbon monoxide is in their lungs.

Smoking cessation experts will be on hand to discuss smoking issues and offer advice to workers hoping to kick the habit. Regular sessions will follow in February to monitor progress and offer support.

The day is just one of the events taking place as part of SmokeFree workplace month - focusing on promoting a smokefree environment in the city's workplaces.

Organiser Caroline McLeod, Managing Director of Construction Care Limited, said: "I decided to go about organising this 'health day' following the success of the various health related events and activities at the Bovis Lend Lease Ltd Oncology Project Site in Leeds.

"We have had several smoking cessation sessions at the Leeds site, with a 50%-plus success rate - illustrating how these sessions are really helping the workers give up smoking. We hope that the 'health day' in Liverpool will emulate this success."

Miriam Bell Senior stop smoking advisor said: "Here at the stop smoking service Fag Ends we always support any workplace who is working towards encouraging a healthier workforce by offering the stop smoking service at any workplace. Our advisor's are asked to attend many health days but I think this is the first on a building site, we are looking forward to working with Bovis in the future".

SmokeFree Liverpool Programme Director, Andrea Crossfield said: "SmokeFree Liverpool is delighted to see another area of workplaces getting involved in the campaign. It really does show how every workplace is affected by second hand smoke and would benefit from 100% smokefree legislation".

The day will include advocates from Men's Health, Roy Castle Lung Cancer
Foundation, and members of the Community Health Action Team.

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For further information, please contact Suzanne Walsh at Kenyon Fraser on
0151 706 9994 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Notes to editors

1. The 'health day' is to take place between 10am until 2pm at the Bovis Lend Lease Construction Company at the Kings Waterfront, 100 Queens Wharf, L3 5ZX - next to the Customs and Excise building.
2. PHOTOCALL: 1pm Frances Molloy (Director of Health@Work) and Councillor Richard Oglethorpe available with site workers.