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THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH IN SUPPORTING

EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELLBEING .

K AT H RY N T U R N E RO C C U PAT I O N A L H EA LT H N U R S E A DV I S E R

Workplace Wellbeing  

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PROVIDE OH SERVICES TO HSSD EMPLOYEES AND TO EXTERNAL

CLIENTS

OH DEPARTMENT IS BASED AT CORPORATE HQ AT PEH

TEAM COMPRISES OF OH SPECIALISTS

ADMINISTRATORS

HSSD OH Service A SEQOHS Accredited Service

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H E A LT H I S A S T A T E O F C O M P L E T E P H Y S I C A L , M E N T A L A N D S O C I A L W E L L - B E I N G A N D N O T M E R E L Y T H E A B S E N C E O F

D I S E A S E O R I N F I R M I T Y.

M E N T A L H E A LT H I S A S T A T E O F W E L L - B E I N G I N W H I C H E V E R Y I N D I V I D U A L R E A L I Z E S H I S O R H E R O W N P O T E N T I A L ,

C A N C O P E W I T H T H E N O R M A L S T R E S S E S O F L I F E , C A N W O R K P R O D U C T I V E L Y A N D F R U I T F U L L Y, A N D I S A B L E T O M A K E A

C O N T R I B U T I O N T O H E R O R H I S C O M M U N I T Y.

What is Health?The WHO Definition

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What is Occupational Health

DEFINITION:  

Occupational Health is the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and

social well-being of workers in all occupations

by preventing departures from health, controlling risks and the adaptation of

work to people, and people to their jobs. 

(ILO / WHO 1950)

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What is Occupational Health

Occupational Health is concerned with

How work and the work environment can affect an employee’s health

and equally

How an employee’s health can affect their ability to do the job.

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WellbeingFactors that affect all aspects of Wellbeing

Factors Work Health

Physical Work style Lifestyle

Psychological Stress Depression/anxiety

Environment Workplace Housing

Social Bullying/conflict Family issues

Economic Salary/Benefits Disposable income

Ref: Health and Wellbeing UK Ltd

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Functions of an OH Service

Establishing and maintaining a healthy and safe work environment

Maintaining a well performing and motivated workforce

Prevention of work related disease and accidents

Maintaining and promoting the work ability of workers

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Employee Health & Wellbeing An Integrated Approach

Specialist Practitioners

Doctors (FFOM, MFOM, DipOcc)

Nurses (RGN, SCPHN)

Support StaffTechniciansAdministrators

PhysiotherapistsPsychological Support

ServicesSafety AdvisorsErgonomistsHygienists

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What Services do Occupational Health Provide

Work Health Assessments – new and existing staff /job specific

Screening and Surveillance – COSHH, Noise, Compliance with H&S Regs.

Health Protection - vaccinations Assist organisations in managing sickness absence -

provide independent advice on long & short term health problems / reduce cost of sickness absence / litigation risks.

Work with organisations to reduce accidents & injuries and work related ill health

Advise on adjustments - to enable staff to undertake role safely and effectively

Work place assessments / Ergonomic issues

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Cost of Absence

The overall median cost of absence per employee

£609 changed little over the last few years median absence cost is highest in the public

sector and lowest in the private sector. Ref: Absence Management: annual survey report 2014 CIPD/Simplyhealth

2005 Guernsey Public Sector: 37,285 working days lost due to sickness absence at a cost of £ 6.1 million

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Causes of Sickness Absence

Short-term Absence (four weeks or less)

Minor illness - the most common cause for example colds/flu, stomach upsets, headaches and migraines

Musculoskeletal injuries for example neck strains and repetitive strain injury, but excluding back pain)

Back pain

Stress.

Ref: Absence Management: annual survey report 2014 CIPD/Simplyhealth

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Causes of Sickness Absence

Long-term Absence

Acute medical conditions (for example stroke, heart attack and cancer) Stress

Musculoskeletal injuries (for example neck strains and repetitive strain injury)

Mental ill health

Back pain

Ref: Absence Management: annual survey report 2014 CIPD/Simplyhealth

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Key Messages

A good quality OH Service can help organisations become more productive, reduce sickness absence and save money.

OH should work in partnership with key stake holders (managers, HR, Health & Safety)

Managers should be aware what services OH provide and feel able to approach and access OH for support and advice.