19/3/.2012
Occupational Health
Occupational Health
• In 1994, the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) estimated that the overall cost to the British economy of all work accidents and work related ill health was between £6 – 12 billion per year. By 2009 / 10 this estimate had risen to £14 billion.
• In 1995, some 19.5 million working days were lost through sickness related absence. By 2010/11 this had risen to 26.4 million
Occupational Health
• The World Health Organisation defines the purpose of an occupational health service as being:
" … to promote and maintain the physical, mental and social wellbeing of all staff".
Occupational Health
• With legislation becoming more stringent, and penalties for failure heavier than ever, the task of managing and reducing risks has become increasingly important.
• All employers have a legal responsibility to protect the health of their employees. They must do whatever is reasonably practicable in order to achieve this.
Occupational Health
• In particular, they must provide and maintain a workplace, that is without risks to health
• Employers must provide employees with information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to protect their health from any occupational health hazards.
OH ADVISOR’S ROLE• Assess & Monitor Illness / Injury• Offer Support & Advice to Employee• Estimate Prognosis - Return to Work• Identify Rehabilitation Requirements• Collect Information - Write to G.P.• Refer to Occupational Physician if Required• Consider Equality Act Implications• Report/Recommendations to Management
Occupational Health
Occupational Health• Occupational Health does not diagnose
• Occupational Health does not treat
RETURN TO WORK ASSESSMENT• Is the Employee Fit For Work?• Provision of Necessary Support at Work?
(Physio/Counsellor/Nurse etc.)• Rehabilitation Programme Agreed &
Communicated• Review Appointments Required• Assessment Report to
Department/Personnel
Occupational Health
Occupational Health
• Referrals are key. The more information you can give me the better I will be able to advise you.
Occupational Health
• Is there any underlying medical condition affecting this persons attendance at work?
• Are they fit to carry out the duties outlined in their job description?
• Are there any adjustments to the work task or environment that would help them to return to work earlier?
• What is the likely timescale for recovery?
Occupational Health
• When do you anticipate a return to work?
• Is the health problem likely to recur or affect future attendance
• Does the health problem meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
• Is the person suitable for redeployment on medical grounds
Occupational Health
• Is the person suitable for ill health retirement
• Health Surveillance
• Health Risk Assessments
• Attend Safety Meetings
• Health Promotion
Occupational Health
Occupational Health
• Assist employees to return to full productivity as soon as possible and recommend suitable rehabilitation (increasingly important in stress cases).
• Liaise with others to obtain medical reports, review medical recommendations and interpret medical evidence
• Many of these activities arise from statutory requirements. All of them are of direct commercial benefit.
Occupational Health
• Assessing risks relating to the health of individuals and groups engaged in particular tasks.
• Monitoring employees' health on an on-going basis.
• Organising health promotion activities to help keep your workforce fit.
• Assessing employees' eligibility for long term disability benefits or retirement on health grounds
ANY QUESTIONS?
Occupational Health