We are committed to creating work environments and driving behaviors that sustain the health, safety, and wellness of our people. Our Global Health and Wellness Team, consisting of medical professionals globally, works closely with our Human Resources and EHS organizations. Since early in the pandemic, this Team has been focused on responding to COVID-19 and supporting Air Products’ Crisis Management Teams globally. The Team supported the development of COVID-19 standards for PPE and other safety protections, and working with our Procurement Team, ensured that necessary PPE was available to employees. In many cases, the company’s COVID-19 standards exceeded local standards, such as mask specifications and wearing masks, deep cleaning protocols and social distancing, from the start of the pandemic.
While addressing COVID-19, our Global Health and Wellness Team continued to roll out other initiatives, including a driver sleep apnea program in North America. This voluntary program helps company drivers determine if they have sleep apnea and then assists them in obtaining treatment and equipment as needed. Likewise, the Team supported efforts to help employees improve the ergonomics of their workstations, particularly as many were working from home.
Employee health and Air Products employees are encouraged to participate in fitness and exercise programs.
Dedicated onsite clinics: At several rural operational sites, and at other locations where the need has been identified, such as in remote areas with poor medical infrastructure, our team works with construction and operations teams to establish customized medical clinics.
Health assessments and campaigns: Health Hazard Assessments are required at all of our facilities. Our Global Health and Wellness Team provides assessments and health coaching for employees, including a program for our Air Products professional drivers. Every fall, influenza awareness campaigns are conducted globally, and employees are provided flu vaccines through their work sites.
Ergonomic programs: Our Ergonomic Wellness and Education (EWE) program is available to employees across the globe to proactively address any musculoskeletal aches and pains. They can consult with knowledgeable health professionals about their discomfort and learn strategies to manage it, speed the healing process, and prevent ongoing discomfort. We also have mandatory Office Ergonomic Training and risk assessment surveys that identify potential ergonomic issues.
Fitness facilities and programs: Air Products employees are encouraged to participate in fitness and exercise programs. The Company also supports fitness options, including walking paths, weight loss programs, and health topics in monthly safety meetings.
Health and nutrition programs: We promote healthy lifestyle programs for diverse employee groups and worksites, including healthy food options and nutritional information.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Air Products has EAPs that are available to employees and their dependents globally, with many services offered at no cost. EAPs assist with a variety of lifestyle management issues, such as counselling and mental health services, relationship, family, finances, legal, stress, workplace conflicts and substance abuse counselling. An internal course on stress management is available and can be taken optionally or where required by local legislation.