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