An Occupational Health Assessment is an umbrella term for an assessment carried out by an occupational health professional to understand how someone’s health may affect their work – or how work may be affecting their health. This can be carried out for situations which include:
health surveillance
fitness for work checks
return-to-work support
workplace adjustments
sickness absence reviews
These can be carried out as a routine procedure or a preventative measure.
Consultations are carried out by our qualified Safewell Occupational Health Professionals. All occupational health assessments are confidential.
Where there is concern that an employee may have work related health problems or that their health is being aggravated by work tasks.
There are difficulties coping on return to work after being absent – following a serious illness or injury or due to a disability.
There may be underlying ill health or disability contributing to performance issues.
There is long term or frequent sickness absence.
If you are unsure whether an occupational health assessment – or the type of assessment – is appropriate, please contact us for further advice.
What happens during an Occupational Health Assessment?
Before arrival for an assessment, there is a Health screening questionnaire to complete. This comprises a series of tick box questions and answers that will ultimately help our Occupational Health Technicians learn more about the employee’s role in the work place and any previous or existing health conditions they may have. This allows us to see if any measures might need to be taken to help keep them healthy and protected in their working role.
HAS (Hand, Arm & Vibration) check They will be asked a series of questions about their hands and use of tools to assess any effects of using vibration tools at work.
Blood pressure. This is a standard blood pressure check taken with a band around the arm.
Skin health check
The OHA/T practitioner will ask what substances are worked with and look at the hands to ensure that any hazardous material come into contact with is not damaging the skin, in line with COSHH regulations.
Colour vision test (Ishihara test) This is a standard colour vision test where an employee is asked to identify numbers or letters within coloured images. Vision test
This eye test is carried out to DVLA standards and includes tests for near/ far, peripheral, depth perception, night vision, colour and display screen equipment.
Respiratory health check Taken by blowing into a machine to set a baseline for lung function and consider whether this might be affected by substances exposed to at work under COSHH regulations.
Audiometry health check Wearing headphones to listen to and identify a series of beeps to set a baseline level for hearing and assess whether this might be affected by any loud noises that the employee is exposed to in their area of work.
What Happens after the Occupational Health Assessment?
A confidential report will be written, and with the employees signed consent, sent to them and the employer. Each report is tailored to the employee and their individual situation. The report will include advice on any medical conditions and the effect on work, symptoms, prognosis, and likelihood of recovery, plus what adjustments could/should be considered, and over a suggested time frame.
Where can Occupational Health Assessments be Carried Out?
This can take place at Safewell or the employee’s place of work. A quiet, well-ventilated, private room is required, with access to a power point.
Safewell has been working alongside us for several years now and I have had the pleasure of working with them for the past few years. They are always professional with their approach and always on hand if we require any ad-hoc advice to support our health and safety needs. I cannot recommend them enough and would definitely suggest to anyone looking for advice or services in regards to anything health and safety related to contact Safewell.
