Obesity and Coal Mining: Pilot Intervention

This study was undertaken by a research team from the Centre for Resources Health and Safety (CRHS) at the University of Newcastle: Chief Investigator, Professor Carole James; Dr Emma Austin, Dr Stephanie Hardacre, Aaron Bezzina and Gillian Smith. This research was supported through funding by Coal Services Health and Safety Trust, with recruitment support from Coal Services Health. Glencore Pty Ltd also supported the involvement of an additional site as part of this research. The project was supported by an industry Advisory Committee with industry representatives and Ethos health. We also acknowledge the participating mining companies, mine sites, management, their Occupational Health and Safety Committee members, and mine employees who willingly gave their time and energy to support this research. This research in the NSW coal mining sector builds upon the development of the Blueprint for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in the NSW Mining Industry, as well as prior CHRS research into existing obesity management programs in NSW mining. The results of this research can inform future policy and program implementation for the management of overweight and obesity at a site level and more broadly within NSW coal mines using an organisational framework designed to improve the health and wellbeing of employees. This research demonstrates the benefits of linking scientific research with industry partnerships. Adopting a collaborative approach; where both sides share in the creation of research questions, methods, and interventions, helps to promote interdisciplinary activities within resources health and safety. This allows for the development of tailored research programs that offer strategies and innovation solutions that are sector focused