Knowing your numbers could save your life

When we marked the World Day for Safety and Health at Work in 2023, we aimed to help our people measure the key numbers associated with their health, modify their lifestyle, and manage their health risk. We offered most of our office and site-based employees an opportunity to learn about their body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. What we called the ‘Know Your Numbers’ initiative.

For most people this simple check was the motivation needed to take action and lead a healthier life, dramatically decreasing risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. But for one of our colleagues, it was more than that. It was potentially life-saving.

When Ashok Chahvan walked into Petrofac’s Sharjah clinic he was curious to learn about his numbers, but nothing about his general health and wellbeing suggested there was an issue.

“I was shocked that the numbers were quite high”, Ashok recalls in conversation with Dr Irshad Laghari, Petrofac’s Company Doctor and the campaign’s instigator.

“The health adviser recommended I take this further with a doctor,” Ashok continues.

After his doctor referred him to an angiogram, Ashok required an angioplasty. He was also instructed on how to implement a healthier diet and an exercise regime.

For Dr Irshad, every colleague who has taken part in the campaign is a small win. “We witnessed an incredible level of engagement and participation,” he says.

From our offices in the UK, UAE, India, Malaysia, to our project sites in Thailand, Oman, and other locations, the initiative echoed success.

“With the help of this campaign nearly 3,000 employees across Petrofac now know their numbers and are actively engaged in the wellness challenges, embracing healthy habits, and creating a positive impact on their overall well-being,” concludes Dr Irshad.