Heinz introduces a new variety of health‐care plan

Purpose – This article describes how a new health‐care plan for process employees at the Heinz Kitt Green site in Wigan, Greater Manchester, is helping to reduce absence among the workforce. Design/methodology/approach – Draws on information from the site's HR manager, and from health‐plan provider HSA. Findings – Highlights the particular value of the scheme in reducing musculo‐skeletal problems to do with knees, hips and backs, and in tackling stress among the workforce. Practical implications – Shows that the Heinz site is also using its employee‐assistance program to help to meet its duty‐of‐care responsibilities. Originality/value – Details how the health‐care plan is helping to prevent illness and injury developing among employees, many of whom are more than 40 years old.