The Minister for Health, Michelle O'Byrne, today launched a new tool to help Tasmanian employers improve workplace productivity, health and safety.

Ms O'Byrne said the guide shows Tasmanian businesses how to establish a workplace health and wellbeing program or improve their existing practices.

"A healthy workplace is good for business and for employees and their families because healthy workers take far less sick days and are happier at work and home," Ms O'Byrne said.

"We spend about one third of our waking day at work so this makes the workplace an important place to encourage better lifestyle behaviours.

"The choices we make at work can have a big impact on our general health and wellbeing, and our home and family lives.

"So it's not surprising the World Health Organization rates the workplace as one of the most important places for health promotion."

Ms O'Byrne said Your Simple Guide to Workplace Health and Wellbeing helps workplaces tailor programs to suit the needs of their particular workforce at any point in time.

The guide highlights supporting tools, fact sheets, templates and case studies showing how other Tasmanian workplaces have achieved success.

"I regularly see all sorts of expensive and amazing machines and medicines that diagnose and treat illness and save lives," Ms O'Byrne said.

"But the things highlighted in this simple guide can prevent more illness and save more lives than any expensive machine invented or medicine developed - that is the power of prevention."

Some of the resources highlighted in the guide are WorkCover Tasmania's Health and Wellbeing Advisory Service and the phone-based Get Healthy Coaching and Information Service.

"The State Government is building jobs and opportunities for Tasmanians and helping to create healthier, more productive workplaces."

For more information contact the Health and Wellbeing Advisory Service on 1300 776 572 or visit www.workcover.tas.gov.au