NURSING students from The University of the West Indies (The UWI) recently had the chance to observe occupational health practices and workplace wellness systems during a visit to the Red Stripe’s Corporate Area brewery.

The visit, a component of their health promotion course, was designed to provide students with hands-on experience in health management within an industrial setting.

As part of their learning trip, the students observed occupational health assessments, clinical functions of the Occupational Health Department (OHD), and the company’s emergency response systems.

These activities offered them a deeper understanding of preventive care in industrial workplaces, health surveillance, and risk assessments aimed at maintaining a safe working environment.

“The goal of this visit was to expose students to the practical side of health promotion and occupational health within a manufacturing plant,” said Celecia Lennon, one of the nursing course supervisors.

“By seeing these processes in action, the students gain a real understanding of how health, safety, and wellness are embedded in the workplace,” added Lennon.

A key focus of the visit was workplace health promotion, which is the combined effort of employers, employees, and society to improve workers’ health and well-being.

This approach not only encourages individual behaviour change but also focuses on creating environments that support health, reduce risks, and enhance overall quality of life.

At Red Stripe, workplace health promotion is part of its Hei-Life Wellness strategy, which prioritises the physical, social, and emotional well-being of employees.

Students were introduced to several initiatives aimed at encouraging healthy behaviours, such as wellness coaching, nutritional guidance, and chronic disease prevention programs.

“We offer programmes that support employees in adopting healthy habits, managing stress, and preventing lifestyle-related illnesses. In addition, we provide mental health resources like the Employee Support Network (ESN) and wellness activities such as fitness challenges and on-site gym programmes,” explained Annalia Bucknor-Black, occupational health advisor and office services manager at Red Stripe.

The students also learned about Red Stripe’s efforts to address environmental and work-related stressors that can affect health.

“It’s not just about individual health — it’s about creating a supportive environment that reduces stress and encourages a healthy work-life balance,” added Bucknor-Black.

She said this includes improving ergonomics, reducing exposure to hazardous substances, and managing workplace noise, heat, and chemicals.

Additionally, the students observed the importance of preventative health measures built into the company’s daily operations, including regular medical screenings, disease surveillance, and emergency medical response systems.

A highlight for the students was learning how workplace health promotion is integrated into Red Stripe’s overall company culture.

“Workplace health promotion at Red Stripe is a holistic approach,” said Monique Farquarson, a UWI nursing student. “It’s about creating a culture that promotes healthy living both at work and outside of it, ensuring employees are supported in every aspect of their well-being.”

Through the visit, students not only observed occupational health and safety best practices but also gained insight into how integrated health and wellness strategies can reduce workplace stress, prevent illness, and promote overall employee well-being. The experience underscored the vital role of health promotion in improving the quality of life for workers and ensuring a balanced, productive work environment.

Occupational health advisor and office services manager at Red Stripe Annalia Bucknor-Black giving a presentation about Hei-Life Wellness strategy to The UWI’s year-two nursing students.