Two years ago, the annual working environment survey in the Stavanger-based oil company revealed a number of neck and shoulder complaints in the metocean, survey and geotechnics (NKG) sector.
Although this entity scored high on job satisfaction and management, much sedentary working at the computer had given rise to neck and shoulder pains for employees.
This prompted the establishment of the Pulse collaboration project with the UiS to enhance awareness about the links between physical activity, nutrition and health.
- I’d heard a speech about exercise from Leif Inge Tjelta at the UiS, reports Tor-Inge Tjelta at NKG.
- We felt that a stronger focus in this area could reduce the health problems which excessive working on a computer often cause.
A pilot project was launched in cooperation with the sector management, and it was natural to contact the UiS in order to draw on its specialist expertise.
Dr Tjelta, who is pro-dean in the university’s department of education, was positive to the idea and he and his namesake (who is no relation) have continued to head the project.
Condition
The first step was to identify the physical condition of NKG staff, and 40 Statoil employees were tested in the UiS physiological lab to check their ability to absorb oxygen.
Each of them was then given their own heart rate monitor in exchange for a commitment to exercise three times a week, and recorded the extent of their own activity.
- It’s all about becoming more conscious of what you do, explains Mr Tjelta.
- A heart rate monitor can help you to exercise more correctly in relation to your goals and expectations.
Such targets can include achieving optimal fat metabolism or becoming as fit as possible.
The Statoil employees have also been followed up with lectures on health, exercise and nutrition. Various physical activities, such as pole walking with sports star Ingrid Kristiansen, form an important part of the health programme.
Evaluation
After a year of the Pulse project, the time has come for an evaluation. That involves putting NKG staff through new tests at the UiS.
- This has been highly interesting so far, says Mr Tjelta.
- Most of the activities have been well supported, and we’ve learnt a lot about motivation.
However, some participants dropped out along the way. It turned out that those who were already in good shape were also the easiest to presuade to continue.
In Mr Tjelta’s view, business benefits from facilitating physical activity and health information at work – not least through company sports.
He believes that the partnership with the UiS has been instructive for both sides.
- The university has the best know-how, and we can present it with relevant issues.
Collaboration
The Pulse project is only one of several collaboration projects being pursued by the UiS with both private and public partners. A number of studies of physical activity and health have been done.
Their results all point in the same direction – health gains can be achieved with a relative modest commitment. Increasing energy use by 700-2 000 kilocalories per week could be enough.
A thousand kilocalories corresponds to three weekly walks at a speed of 5.5 kilometres per hour, or four weekly 30-minute bike rides at 20 kilometres per hour.
Dr Tjelta, who also coaches top Norwegian athletes, feels it is positive that more companies are becoming aware of the positive effect of exercise and health.
Cooperation with Statoil is now moving into a new phase with closer monitoring of individuals. Pulse II aims to get as many people as possible exercising, particularly if they have occupational health issues.
- It’s important to get to grips with such complaints early, before they have taken root, says Mr Tjelta.
- Maintenance is just as important for people as for machines.
Statoil aims to reduce employee health problems through physical exercise, in cooperation with UiS. Tor-Inge Tjelta from the oil company has his oxygen intake tested.
Text: Cecilie Wathne
Photo: Elisabeth Tønnessen
