why does my lawyer want me to have @n occupational health assessment test

by Prof. Mackenzie Huels 4 min read

Do I need an occupational health assessment for my job?

An occupational health assessment is a useful addition to a doctor's medical report because it's more focused on: how the employee does their job how the job might affect the employee’s health The employer should consider the recommendations of both …

What is an occupational health assessment (OHA)?

Aug 13, 2020 · The primary purpose of an occupational health assessment is to prevent work-related injuries. Most often, they determine whether an employee is physically suited for a particular job. They can also identify any pre-existing conditions that make an employee more at risk of certain hazards. DIFFERENT TYPES OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH ASSESSMENTS

What can occupational health professionals do if they find you not fit?

1. Overview. As an employer, you are required by law to prevent physical and mental ill health in your workers that may occur as a result of your business activities. Your risk assessment. [4] will help you decide what actions you need to take to do this. An important part of occupational health is concerned with how work and the work ...

How does an occupational health adviser help an employee with an injury?

Jan 31, 2019 · They are basically an assessment performed by a medical professional, the aim of which is to advise employers on an employee's health and make recommendations on any adjustments that might make the working environment safer and healthier.

Why is occupational health assessment important?

An occupational health assessment is a useful addition to a doctor’s medical report because it’s more focused on: how the employee does their job. how the job might affect the employee’s health. The employer should consider the recommendations of both the occupational health and doctor’s reports.

What is occupational health?

Occupational health is a type of medical service for: supporting employees and employers. helping wellbeing in the workplace. It can be used for both physical and mental health.

What is return to work?

return to work. do their job. address any problems that could cause further health or absence issues. Example. An employee has had a back injury. Their employer asks an occupational health adviser to carry out an assessment.

What happens if an employee is unhappy with their health?

If an employee is unhappy with how occupational health has been used, they should raise the issue with their employer.

Who checks with an employee to show their report to the employer?

The occupational health adviser will check with the employee first that they can show their report to the employer. The employer and employee can then plan the best course of action to help the employee back to work. They might agree that the employee needs:

Do you need to get more information from an occupational health adviser?

Sometimes the occupational health adviser might need to get more information from the employee’s doctor. In this case, the employee should be told the reason and asked to sign a consent form. The employee has the right to see the doctor’s report before it is sent to the occupational health adviser.

Is it a good idea to check if your workplace has an occupational health policy?

It’s a good idea to check if your workplace has an occupational health policy. Smaller organisations might not have an occupational health policy or scheme. In this case, the employer should take the advice of both the employee and the employee's doctor.

How to ensure health and safety?

In health and safety law, there are things you must do to make sure workers’ health is not adversely affected by their work and that workers are medically fit to carry out their work safely. This includes: 1 implementing health or medical surveillance#N#[4] [4]#N#when necessary 2 ensuring workers are medically fit to undertake the role required (your industry may produce such standards) 3 reviewing your risk assessment when a worker is returning to work following sickness absence or declares a health condition

Why is risk assessment important?

Your risk assessmentwill help you decide what actions you need to take to do this. An important part of occupational health is concerned with how work and the work environment can impact on workers’ health, both physical and mental. It also includes how workers’ health can affect their ability to do their job.

What does "health and safety" mean?

Put simply this means the effect of work on health and that of health on work. In health and safety law, there are things you must do to make sure workers’ health is not adversely affected by their work and that workers are medically fit to carry out their work safely. This includes:

What is occupational health assessment?

They are basically an assessment performed by a medical professional, the aim of which is to advise employers on an employee's health and make recommendations on any adjustments that might make ...

Why is it important to do a health assessment?

It’s important to remember that the purpose of a work health assessment is to ensure that you as an employee can return to work and continue to do so in a way that will have the least impact on your health issues.

What tests are needed to assess mobility?

Depending on the nature of your work, the following may be required: A blood pressure test. A urin e sample. An eye test.

What are suggestions in a report?

Suggestions in the report might include: A plan for returning to work. Any timescales involved. Temporary or permanent adjustments to the working environment. Temporary or permanent support that might be needed. You can be sent a copy of the report and any confidential information won’t be shared without your consent.

Can you attend a health assessment without a referral?

You wouldn’t be expected to attend a work health assessment without having signed a referral form. Although when employees are off sick, this can sometimes be difficult. If you are ever unsure, before agreeing to the assessment you should discuss it with your manager.

Can you share information from an occupational health assessment?

None of the information relating to the assessment will be shared with anyone outside of the occupational health assessment procedure. The nurses and doctors involved are governed by the usual codes of conduct and legislation relating to confidentiality and data protection.

What happens if an employee refuses to give consent to an assessment?

However, if the employee refuses consent, then the employer or manager is entitled to make a management decision without it, which could, of course, be to the detriment of the individual.

What is occupational health?

Occupational health seeks to promote and maintain the health and wellbeing of employees, with the aim of ensuring a positive relationship between an employee's work and health. Having access to specialist occupational health practitioners is key to unlocking the benefits for employees and organisations.

What is reasonable adjustment?

Advising on temporary or permanent changes to the work or workplace (‘reasonable adjustments’) to enable someone with a physical or mental health condition or disability to work effectively and safely. Undertaking and interpreting pre-employment or pre-placement health assessments (see below).

What is stress audit?

Undertaking ‘stress audits’ and advising employers on measures to control risks to mental health, such as excessive pressure at work, bullying and harassment. Assessing where a person’s work has affected their health and what action should be taken both to support the individual and prevent recurrence in other workers.

Who is the editor of Occupational Health at Work?

This factsheet was written by Dr John Ballard FFOM (Hon), editor of the journal Occupational Health [at Work] and last revised by the Society of Occupational Medicine. The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) is the largest and oldest nationally-recognised professional organisation of individuals with an interest in health and work.

Can a line manager talk to OH?

Line managers must feel able to approach OH to discuss concerns and issues, although discussions about an individual employee’s health should be restricted to issues relevant to their fitness to work. Managers should be aware that any conversations they have with OH might be noted in the OH records.

Does work determine life expectancy?

Thus, individuals’ job (or jobless) level determines their life expectancy.