UK Power Networks supports its employees in physically demanding roles as part of its health and safety culture.
The electricity distribution network operator has 6,500 employees across London, the east and south east of England. Many are in physically demanding roles such as cable jointers, substation fitters and linespeople.
In terms of physical wellbeing support, UK Power Networks provides Fit4Work assessments and health surveillance for safety-critical roles, fast-track physiotherapy with face-to-face treatment available within two working days, and ergonomic equipment and assessments to prevent injuries.
In addition, its Healthwise hub and digital app offers practical resources on posture, and physical activity, alongside an employee assistance programme. Health kiosks and coaching sessions help employees monitor body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure, and set fitness goals, while its stand-down days for field teams include hands-on demonstrations and advice.
Supporting physical health is part of the organisation’s safety culture, explains Alex Kent, head of HR operations. “Safety training is mandatory, not least because our staff work with high voltage electrical equipment, and this is central to our mission to make sure employees remain safe and well. We also encourage healthy lifestyles through our bikes-for-work scheme, discounted gym memberships and team challenges such as our Royal Ramble 20-mile charity walk, which has hundreds of participants every year.”
Another physical team goal is All Roads Lead to Rome, a step-based challenge employees took on last year covering the equivalent distance of crossing Europe through nine cities, eventually leading to Rome.
Towards the end of 2025, UK Power Networks introduced an employer-funded private medical insurance (PMI) scheme, provided by Equipsme, to employees who were previously not eligible. It is a taxable benefit, so employees are liable for the tax. Staff can opt in to PMI, giving them 24/7 GP access, physiotherapy and private diagnosis services, and it is also available to family members as an add-on. This can reduce waiting times for musculoskeletal chronic pain treatment from months to days. A PMI scheme has been available to senior members of staff for many years.
UK Power Netwokrs has found that the measures have made a difference, with absences relating to musculoskeletal issues reducing. Its employees value the support, with 96% rating its health and wellbeing provision positively in staff surveys.
Kent says that investing in physical wellbeing is not just about reducing injuries, it keeps employees safe and helps the organisation remain an employer of choice.
“Safety is our number one priority. Our teams work in demanding environments, lifting, climbing, and operating heavy equipment, so we focus on keeping them physically healthy through proactive fit-for-work medicals, health surveillance, physiotherapy and fast GP access and diagnostics. By acting early and supporting recovery, we reduce risk, prevent injuries and make sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day,” she adds.
