One obligation society places on business is that it should create wealth without damaging health, an employers' report says.

Mr Digby Jones, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, says that wealth shouldn't be created at the cost of people's health, in his foreword to a recent CBI report, Their health in your hands. Of the workdays lost in Britain, 3.6 per cent are due to ill-health.

"In a highly competitive, rapidly changing world, business and people need to be energetic, creative and innovative," Mr Jones says. If business puts excessive pressure on its people and organisations, these qualities may not emerge and flourish. With good management, leadership, support, training and stimulation they will.

Genetics, lifestyle, environment and work determine our health. If it can do nothing about genetics, "business can and must influence the other three". It can do this by providing information and support for healthier lifestyles; regulating business activities to ensure a healthy and safe environment; and "applying the principles of successful management to managing occupational health".

Key findings of the report are that there is scope for improvement in occupational health management, that British business has identified the main occupational health issues it faces, and that businesses "understand the need to manage areas such as stress and rehabilitation". The report suggests that while legislative compliance is a driver for procedures such as periodic medicals, it does not play a big role in monitoring occupational health.

Actions the report recommends include:

Management of occupational health: "Businesses are often not as sympathetic in their approach to occupational health management as they are to safety management."

Enhanced choice: It finds a "one size fits all" approach inappropriate and calls for diversity, including in-house services, contractors and general practitioners for workplace health.

Occupational health services: Businesses recognise the need to keep workers fit. Accordingly, businesses are interested in managing occupational risks to health and recognise the interaction between lifestyle and work.

Better access to advice: There are "gaps in the availability of competent advice, particularly for small businesses". The CBI calls for GPs - on whom SMEs in particular are dependent - to be aware of the issue

Involve stakeholders: The report calls for employee involvement at all levels to manage workplace health.

Information and education: Employees should be educated and kept informed so they "can take some responsibility for the basic elements of good health".

The survey covered 337 respondents.

Their health in your hands, published by the CBI, can be ordered by telephoning 0044 7395 8071 or through the website: http://www.cbi.org.uk. Cost £20 sterling for members, £40 sterling for non-members.

jmarms@irish-times.ie