Employee Health Programs and Services

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Dow continues to take a broad approach to employee health focusing on five different aspects related to an understanding of health.

Physical health involves exercise, proper nutrition, rest and relaxation.
Social health is about meaningful relationships, working effectively with others, and feeling good about social networks.
Inspirational health or spiritual health influences us to behave with passion, empathy, humility and leads to empowerment.
Intellectual health refers to both acquiring knowledge and using that knowledge to improve the quality of life.
Emotional health addresses the pressures in a person’s life, how one reacts to those pressures, and the ability to relax.

These five aspects of health are distinct but integrated. In the same way that health means different things to different people, these different aspects will have varying degrees of impact and significance for individual employees. Dow's focus on all five aspects is known as Total Health. The Total Health approach recognizes that any strategy for dealing with employee health issues must take all five aspects into account, as employees are the primary source of most competitive advantage.

Employee Assistance Plans
Dow recognizes that taking care of business means taking care of the needs and well-being of the individuals who make up our organization. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a global model that provides a comprehensive approach to address both human and organizational needs. Dow’s EAP provides professional, confidential services for all employees and family members. EAP services include assessment, short-term counseling, referrals, and consultation. EAP covers a variety of problems that may affect employee well-being, such as emotional disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, marital, family and adolescent problems, and financial crises.

Walk-A-Weigh
In terms of physical health, Dow used a walking program to stimulate employees and family members around the world to improve their fitness and reach a healthier weight. The program was offered in 23 countries and nine languages and had over 5,000 participants. Using online registration and communications, Walk-A-Weigh featured a nautical theme to emphasize the importance of physical activity and weight management and taught skills and techniques to improve both. Of the people who reported their program results, over two-thirds were more active at the end of the program and had lost a combined 4,300 kilograms or 9,460 pounds in 2003.

External Recognition
During 2003 Dow received the following external awards and recognition for employee health programs and services:

Bronze H.E.A.L.T.H. Award – Singapore
In Singapore, Dow Chemical Pacific (Singapore) Pte Ltd. received a bronze H.E.A.L.T.H. (Helping Employees Achieve Life-Time Health) Award from the Singapore Government. The Singapore H.E.A.L.T.H. Award is an annual program organized by the Health Promotion Board to give national recognition to organizations with commendable workplace health promotion activities. Awarded by the Ministry of Health, the award is a national barometer of companies that organize programs to address the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of their employees. This is the fifth consecutive year that Dow Singapore has won a H.E.A.L.T.H. award. In 1999 and 2003 it won the bronze award; and in 2000, 2001, and 2002, it won the silver award.

Five Stars Companies (by COFIC) – Brazil
For the third year, Dow Brazil Northeast sites were awarded as Five Stars Companies by COFIC for their occupational health and health promotion programs. Participating for the first time, Aratu's CELLOSIZE™ site was awarded with Four Stars. This award is promoted by Camaçari Industrial Committee to recognize industrial chemical plants that have outstanding programs in the area of EH&S.

Gold Well Workplace – West Virginia Operations (U.S.)
The West Virginia Operations (WVO) of Union Carbide Corporation was granted Gold Well Workplace status by the Wellness Council of America and the West Virginia Wellness Council. The award was presented in October at the annual West Virginia Governor’s Conference on Worksite Wellness. There were only six recipients of the Gold Award in West Virginia and the smoking cessation program at WVO also merited a Certificate of Recognition.

Sarnia-Lambton Healthy Workplace Award – Sarnia, Canada
On October 28, Dow Chemical Canada Inc. (Dow Canada) was awarded the Sarnia-Lambton Healthy Workplace Award, Gold Prize Large Workplace Category for the third consecutive year. This award was established to recognize workplaces in Lambton County that strive to improve the well-being of their employees. Dow Canada was recognized for making workplace wellness a priority for over 25 years, making workplace health a part of the culture, and using a comprehensive approach that includes awareness raising and skill building activities. In addition, Dow Canada's program was praised for demonstrating excellence in leadership, planning, people focus, and evaluation and using programming to address the physical environment, the psychosocial environment, and personal health practices. Another highlight was that Dow Canada’s health promotion program is not only supported by management but operates within a management system, thus recognizing the importance of creating positive role models for their employees.

ACOEM Health Achievement Award in Occupational Medicine
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Dr. Catherine M. Baase, Dow's Global Director of Health Services received the 2003 Health Achievement Award in Occupational Medicine awarded by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM). The award recognizes an ACOEM member for unique contributions in occupational and environmental medicine. Dr. Baase was honored for conducting research and developing programs on health and human productivity at Dow and for her achievements as a member of ACOEM’s Special Committee on Health and Productivity. ACOEM is an international medical society of more than 6,000 occupational and environmental physicians and health professionals.

America Board of Occupational Health Nurses Employer Recognition Award
Recognizing Dow's ongoing commitment to providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, the American Board of Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN) bestowed its Employer Recognition Award to the Company. The Award underscores the value that Dow places upon certification in occupational health nursing. The Board took note of the enhanced job responsibilities, project management assignments, external association support, and certification encouragement in making its decision.

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