Occupational Health Policy

The Occupational Health Service offers advice on all matters relating to, the effect of work on health and health on work of all staff and ‘high risk’ students when they are exposed to the same significant risks to health.

ORGANISATION
The Occupational Health Service (OHS) operates within the Health Centre and forges close working relationships with other internal and external agencies as appropriate.

HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

Working Arrangements
The OHS will carry out statutory health surveillance under current health and safety legislation. Non-statutory health surveillance and vaccinations will also be undertaken.

Ill-Health Reporting
Ill health potentially due to work, and clusters of illness or conditions must be reported to the OHS by the employees/students manager.

A management referral form should be completed for any employee/(‘high risk’ student) who has been on sickness absence for 4 or more weeks, or due to return to work after surgery or a medical condition which may be exacerbated or influenced by their work.

Rehabilitation/Post Sickness Assessment
The OHS will assess any employee/high risk student returning to work following long term sickness with regard to necessary rehabilitation back to work.

Risk Assessment
There is a statutory duty of care under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, for managers to assess the risks of health to their employees. Any identified hazards which the manager has highlighted may require advice/education etc from the OHS.

Employees Occupational Health Surveillance Questionnaire
All job types have been risk assessed regarding hazards to the employees health and divided into three sections, 'high risk', 'at risk' and 'low risk'. All new employees who have a 'high risk' job (including postgraduate students) before employment must complete Health Questionnaires. For some a mandatory Occupational Health pre-employment health examination will be necessary.

Those employees' jobs with the 'at risk' rating should complete the Health Questionnaire within one month of commencement. Employees in the 'low risk' job types are strongly advised to complete the Health Questionnaire. All Health Questionnaires should be returned to Occupational Health in the sealed envelope provided. This information remains confidential.

Staff coming into contact with any of the following should contact OHS for statutory health surveillance, advice and information.

• Animal contact
• Blood (human or animal) and body fluids
• Category 2/3 pathogens
• Chemicals, carcinogens
• Food (catering staff).
• Genetic manipulation
• Heavy machinery, oils, solvents, asbestos etc.
• Noise
• Slurry, sludge and sewerage
• Soil (gardeners and biological workers).

Please contact:-

Disabled Employees & Students
A risk assessment will be carried out by the OHS/disability advisor at the employees/students appointment with the disability officer prior to interview, in order to ascertain any potential hazards that may subsequently be reduced, as far as is reasonably practicable.

Stress
It is part of the occupational health remit to evaluate and monitor causes effects and impacts of workplace stress. The OHS will facilitate employees stress management, control and coping mechanisms, and also work closely with Personnel in implementing policies to eradicate sources of workplace stress.

First Aid Facilities
First aid at work courses, accredited by the Health and Safety Executive, with the required refresher courses of 2 day duration at 3 yearly intervals, can be offered by the OHS under the direction of the Safety Office.

DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT (DSE) ASSESSMENTS
In line with current legislation all DSE users need to be assessed upon commencement and following any relevant changes or difficulties. The OHS has trained assessors in academic and administrative departments. The Head of each area is responsible for ensuring the assessments have been undertaken. Should anyone have any particular queries they should contact the OHS.

CONFIDENTIALITY
All information given by employees/students will be treated as confidential. Signed consent will be requested before any relevant information regarding health problems is disclosed.

POINT OF CONTACT
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact:-