For many in the built environment, the conversation around sustainability is limited to carbon and energy; it is assumed that sustainability equates solely with environmental concerns. However, the UN SDGs provide a far more complete framework of sustainability which includes environmental concerns but also equally highlights social and economic imperatives. We will be highlighting one of the 17 SDGs every week and relating it to how your business can help achieve these goals.
Good health and well-being
This week we will be discussing SDG 3 which is ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. This goal will be elaborated with the help of three of the thirteen targets.
Target 3.4
Reduce premature mortality from non-transmittable diseases like heart diseases, cancer and diabetes through prevention and treatment. Also, promote mental health and well-being and reduce the suicide mortality rate. Research from ABS shows that in 2020-21 78.6% of Australians had at least one long-term health condition and over two in five Australians aged 16-85 years had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life.
Target 3.5
Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol. The following statistics from healthdirect shows this is a serious problem in Australia:
- 1 in 20 Australians has an addiction or substance abuse problem which is directly related to mental health issues.
- 1 in 10 Australians smoke everyday which is a major cause for long term health issues.
- 1 in 6 Australians drink at risky levels which causes long-term health issues on top of alcohol related accidents and injuries.
Target 3.9
Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. This includes reducing household pollution and ensuring good housing ventilation.
Health and well-being in Australia
The previous examples have shown why SDG 3 is a goal that needs attention in Australia but the following section will elaborate on how this relates to your business. In Australia the number of deaths on the job in 2022 is 115. These deaths are mostly related to heavy machinery, moving vehicles and moving objects. Furthermore, there have been 120,355 serious work-related injuries of which body stress is the main cause. More than half of these injuries have been suffered by labourers, tradesmen and machinery operators. Not to forget that 8% of these work-related injuries are due to mental stress which annually adds up to $736 million in claims.
Statistics from: safe work australia
Links with other SDGs
Having an impact on health and well-being in Australia can be enhanced by considering your actions and impacts in other areas.
SDG 1: No poverty: Poverty shows to be a damage to health and well-being.
SDG 2: Zero hunger: The access to nutritious and sufficient food is vital for a healthy life
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth: Secure employment with good benefits ensures access to health care and good mental health and well-being
What can you do?
As an individual you can make a huge difference: Here are some suggestions:
- Look out for each other, ask R U OK?
- Check if your own workplace is safe and healthy
- Wash your hands to prevent the spread of diseases
- Eat, drink and sleep well ensuring your own health and well-being
What can your business do?
As a business owner you have the opportunity to proactively take action and inspire your team to support you.
- Ensure your workplace is safe. Identify, assess and control hazards
- Provide good personal protective equipment
- Keep the workplace clean and sanitised
- Prioritise the prevention of psychological hazards in the workplace. Common psychological hazards: Mental health | Safe Work Australia
- Follow the healthy building standards with proper ventilation and isolation ensuring good air quality and reducing mould. On top of that, ensuring good water and light quality. More information: WELL Performance Rating | IWBI
- Use low VOC products found in paint and furniture
What does sustainable development mean to you?
Do you want to know how your business can make an impact towards a sustainable future and help work towards the end of hunger in Australia?
Our self-assessment will help you understand how you can be the change you want to see.
Further reading
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/substance-abuse
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/mental-health
