Health Surveillance in the work place

The Health and Safety at work regulations 1999 state "Every employer shall ensure that his employees are provided with such health surveillance as is appropriate having regard to the risks to the health and safety which are identified by the risk assessment"

Health Surveillance is based on sound ethical and technical practice with respect for workers privacy and confidentiality. It is organized to meet the aims of occupational health and safety. Workers receive informed consent and have the function and purpose of surveillance explained in detail.

It is helpful to indicate the adequacy of control measures in the workplace, identify individuals at risk, provide baseline information for future reviews and set benchmarks for preventative action

Screening for Hand-arm vibration syndrome

The new "Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005" requires employers to introduce suitable health surveillance for those of their employees who are at risk from exposure to hand-arm vibration. We are able to provide this service on site.

Approved by the Faculty Of Occupational Medicine for Hand Arm Vibration Screening.

Pre-employment / placement medicals

Medicals range from a simple questionnaire to a very full and detailed examination. These medicals are specifically directed towards the detailed job description and take into account the Disability Discrimination Act. Recruitment and retention of staff is expensive, pre-placement assessment helps to identify employees who are fit to undertake the specific job requirements.

Advice regarding long or short term sickness

Increasingly this is becoming a major problem, with shifts in trends of ill health, stress and musculo-skeletal problems becoming more common. We are able to liaise with employee's General Practitioners and offer advice regarding individual employees. Advice may include restrictions in an individual's job specifications, prediction of date of return to work and even a guide to their future prognosis. Rehabilitation and return to work is easier the earlier advice is sought.

Full physical medical examination

Medical examination as already mentioned can be performed as part of health surveillance, pre-placement and during spells of sickness absence. They can also be offered prior to change of job within the Company, post injury or incident, randomly or on each fifth year anniversary of employment with the Company ,and finally if requested by an employee. As part of health and safety risk assessment or for more comprehensive examination, specific investigations including spirometry, electrocardiography, audiometry, urine and blood testing can be incorporated as required. Examinations are extremely useful in providing baseline measurements. All are totally confidential.

Health Promotion

We firmly believe in taking health promotion into the workplace and are able to provide near patient testing for cholesterol levels, blood pressure, electrocardiography and urine testing. From this information we can provide risk percentages for heart attack or stroke within the following ten years. We can also plan ways to reduce this risk. Hard work now can reap a healthier and happier workforce in the future and shows a positive, caring commitment from employers. Health Promotion seminars and talks can also be arranged.

Audiometry

Audiometry provides a detailed assessment of hearing acuity in employees, particularly those who are exposed to loud noises. Different frequency and intensity of sounds are tested. It is particularly useful in providing baseline measurements from which to pick up early noise induced hearing loss. It can also produce reassurance that preventative measures are proving effective.

Spirometry

Spirometry is a detailed test of lung function for those employees at risk of Occupational asthma and other respiratory disorders. Baseline measurements are strongly recommended and provide the starting point from which serial measurements are taken.

Electrocardiography

Electrocardiography is a test of the hearts electrical activity and can be useful in screening for example employees with heart problems or high blood pressure.

Stress Counselling

Stress in the workplace is fast becoming top of the list of Occupational problems, early intervention, change of working patterns and stress management counselling can prevent chronic problems.

Drug and Alcohol Screening and Advice

We are able to offer advice on producing a drug and alcohol policy for your Company as well as involvement in the actual process of selection, collection and analysis of samples. We advice on appropriate testing, usually only involving those workers who have safety critical jobs. Our testing is confidential, ensures complete "chain of custody" of samples, involves computer generated randomisation of workers selected for testing and is legally defensible.

We are a certified provider of Drug and Alcohol Screening and Advice.

Blood sampling and urine testing

Numerous blood tests can be arranged either for a specific problem or as part of a detailed health screen, urine testing can be used to screen for specific problems including drug abuse.

Foreign Travel advice and Vaccination Service

Employees, who regularly travel to foreign Countries, perhaps at short notice, should have regular checks on their vaccination status. Boosters can be given if required. Workers exposed to specific infectious diseases should also receive regular review of their vaccination status. Blood checks can be performed to confirm immunity to specific infectious diseases.

Occupational Pyschology

The focus of the occupational psychology consultancy service is to provide support to individuals who are experiencing difficulty in the workplace or who are having problems returning to work as a result of injury or ill health. The application of psychology is used to address the needs of the individual and the organisation with the aim being to increase effectiveness, efficiency, productivity and satisfaction at work.

Work place assessment / Job Analysis

Job analysis can identify and quantify the demands and essential functions of an occupation. These results help to provide a clear and objective summary of the essential tasks and duties of a job which can then be compared with the individuals capabilities and if appropriate help plan a safe return to work.

Psychometric Assessment

In-depth interviewing, counselling and solution focused techniques are used when exploring the impact of any health problem at work. Psychological testing can be carried out to assess an individual s abilities, aptitudes and cognitive capacity to function in the workplace. Issues such as memory, concentration and comprehension of information can be assessed in order to determine an individual s ability to carry out their job role from a cognitive perspective. The results of these assessments can include recommendations for modified job tasks, cognitive strategies that can be utilised to enhance work ability, preparing and facilitating a graduated return to work plan, exploring modified duties and providing information on necessary adjustments, aids and adaptations.

Specific assessments such as dyslexia and other specific learning difficulty assessments can also be carried out.

Vocational Guidance

For individuals who are unable to return to their previous job role due to physical or psychological barriers, interests, abilities, skills and work values can all be explored to determine alternative suitable occupational options.

Training

Awareness training can also be provided on specific disabilities such as Mental Health and advice on managing stress and absence in the workplace can also be provided.