THE constructor of the new Tesco superstore in Stourport has been hammering home the importance of occupational health to its staff and local community.

Barr Construction has just started work on the creation of the 30,000 sq ft store in the town and the organisation said it was committed to ensuring its workforce was the healthiest in the country.

As part of its aims, the company sent a health and lifestyle tour bus around all its sites currently in operation to provide information, advice and support about a healthy lifestyle.

Those visiting the roadshow, which was in partnership with Constructing Better Health, were able to discover how to lead healthier lives, look after their hearts, stop smoking and combat the effects of stress.

Those in attendance also had the opportunity to get active with the on-board Nintendo Wii and take home free gifts, such as water bottles, fruit and stress balls.

Martin Oldfield, health and safety manager, said every little helped when it came to his co-workers’ health and wellbeing.

“We’ve been offering free health checks for all of our personnel working on our sites the length and breadth of the country and they’ve proven very popular,” he said.

“We are striving to develop a healthier, happier workforce and by going to where our people are, rather than waiting for them to come to us, we’re making it as easy as possible for them to get on the road to living healthier lives.

“Taking some simple steps can make a big difference to overall health and it has become clear that a healthier workforce is also more motivated and productive.

“Barr is keen to build a reputation for being a caring company which looks after its staff and one which people will want to come to work for.”