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Fuelling Fulton Hogan Bodies!

Media Release

Friday 3 April 2009

Fuelling Fulton Hogan Bodies!

More used to road construction than meal construction, 12 Fulton Hogan staff stepped into a kitchen for a day last week to learn more about fuelling the body for peak performance.

It was an inspirational day for the young apprentices who made enough food in the Tairawhiti Polytechnic training kitchen to take away and last a week.

“I think we were gun shy at the start,” says Fulton Hogan Grader Operator Josh Taylor, who was thrilled to be to taking away lots of prepared, healthy food.

“It was pretty good to learn how to cook it, but also how to make bulk, and make it last.”

Fulton Hogan safety, training, quality and education regional advisor Charlene Donald said the day-long course taught Fulton Hogan modern apprentices about cooking nutritional meals on a budget.

“As these guys begin a career with us we think it’s important they understand what their body needs to function safely and well in an outdoor environment. We also wanted to make it relevant to the guys and their families, especially in this tough current environment.”

Drain Layer Roydon McNabb admitted he regularly bought pies, fizzy drink, and other high-fat foods for lunch. He said the nutrition course taught him what food to prepare so he stayed energized and focussed during a long day.

“It’s been helpful, and gives us a chance to review what we are eating. Yeah, I might give it a go.”

Tairawhiti Polytechnic tutor Ingrid Walsh selected a day-long menu for the Fulton Hogan staff filled with low GI foods that would make the men feel full, and release energy slowly over the day. Muesli, berry muffins, banana bread, self crusting quiche, beef and bean burritos, nutty crunch slice, fruitbix bars and fusilli (pasta) were created, cooked, and contained for easy transport.

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“I have been impressed with their capability in and around the kitchen. I know cooking hummus and tabbouleh had some of them going ‘oh oh’, but then they see it’s so quick to make and so cheap!” said Mrs Walsh.

The nutrition course was sponsored by industry training organisation InfraTrain. Ingrid Walsh will visit participating Fulton Hogan staff onsite four times over the next few months to check progress.

The course was part of Fulton Hogan’s wider Fitness for Role campaign aimed at creating a safe and healthy workplace, and preventing injury.

“We have approached issues like exercise, nutrition, smoking, and obesity with our staff because we want staff fit for their role,” said Ms Donald.

Digger Operator Heke Blackbee is a great example of staff progress. He has broken a lifelong bad habit and rather than skipping breakfast is now eating cereal and fruit. He also walks to work.

“It’s easy,” he says with a grin. “I’ve learned a lot!”

Ends


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