Some jobs have specific risks that may affect the health of a new employee, and prospective employees may have specific health issues requiring workplace adjustments to enable them to carry out their job effectively. The purpose of a work health assessment is to;
- ensure that staff are fit for their job
- identify prospective employees with health problems who may require support or modification of duties in order to undertake their job successfully
A management referral to Health Initiatives is a written request from management to review the health of an employee where advice on work related health issues is required. Health Initiatives offer impartial, confidential and relevant advice to enable management to take fair and objective decisions on employee health problems. By seeking advice from Health Initiatives at the earliest opportunity on a work related health issue, sickness absence and a timely return to work can be effectively managed. Patterns of sickness absence can provide the opportunity to introduce workplace health promotion or training to reduce lost working time. A positive approach encourages work attendance, taking the focus from non-attendance.
The COSHH Regulations are intended to protect people from ill health caused by exposure to hazardous substances. Health Initiatives can carry out health surveillance that has been identified as a requirement under the COSHH regulations 2002. Health Initiatives offer lung function testing and advice on skin surveillance programmes, and can advise on record keeping and corrective actions.
Hand-arm vibration syndrome refers to a group of painful and disabling conditions of blood vessels, nerves, joints and muscles of the hands and arms. It can develop from the use of hand-held vibrating power tools. Health Initiatives can carry out hand/arm vibration assessments using the tiered surveillance approach as recommended by the Health and Safety Executive. Advice on assessing and minimising the risk from hand held power tools can be found on the Health and Safety Executive web site - www.hse.gov.uk.
Prolonged exposure to noise at work can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require an employer to identify and assess risks from exposure to noise and to eliminate and reduce this where possible in order to protect hearing. Employers are required to ensure;
- any controls are maintained and properly used
- hearing protection is provided and used
- information, training and health surveillance is provided
Under the Working Time Regulations 1999, night workers must be offered free and confidential health assessments before starting work, on a regular basis, or as appropriate to the individual. Health Initiatives can routinely screen an annual health questionnaire from every member of staff classified as a night worker. The health assessment is voluntary, but enables the employee to report any health concern or medical condition that is difficult to manage, or made worse, by working night time hours. A simple statement of fitness to continue with night working is then issued to management. If a worker has a medical condition that may require work adjustments, an Occupational Health appointment will be offered and appropriate advice given.
Appropriate ergonomic advice can help to reduce the risk of work related injury and will improve general well being. Health Initiatives carry out work place assessments and offer ergonomic advice for a whole range of work activities, including manual handling tasks, and repetitive production tasks. Health Initiatives offer display screen equipment assessments to help employers meet their obligations under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (amended 2002). Comprehensive assessments include a workstation visit, individual advice, vision screening test and a report on each workstation, enabling managers to take appropriate action.
Although stress is a normal and necessary part of everyday life, some people may experience levels of pressure at work which can lead to ill-health. Ill health resulting from the adverse effects of work-related stress causes sickness absence, high staff turnover and poor performance. Health Initiatives are able to advise on general measures that can reduce and help manage workplace stress. Advice can be given to support individuals and assist them in returning to work successfully.
In order to enhance the value of health surveillance programmes or as part of a company health and well being strategy Health Initiatives can offer individual or group advice on;
- healthy eating
- exercise
- smoking cessation
- adverse effects of alcohol