One of the most frequent questions our Health consultants often get asked is ‘Are Occupational Health; Doctors?’ – The answer isn’t really that straightforward…
Occupational Health is an intermediate professional between employer and employee to manage and assess fit to work medical reports.
The professional providing the service is delivered by either a nurse with occupational health training, a part-time doctor, or through a range of specialists, including:
- physiotherapists;
- hygienists;
- psychologists;
- ergonomic experts;
- occupational therapists;
- specialist occupational health nurses and doctors.
Why Occupational Health is required;
Occupational health is usually requested at an employee’s place of work, if you’re experiencing ill health, nursing an injury or struggling with difficulties at home, your employer’s occupational health provider can support you. Not all employers provide, or have access to, occupational health services and must rely on information from your GP to help you to get back to, or remain, in work. In addition, work-related health information can be accessed via the Latus Health website.
What’s involved in an Occupational Health Assessment;
An Occupational Health Assessment is a medical examination performed by one of the above mentioned Occupational Health Physicians. Its main aim is to advise employer’s on the employee’s health to make recommendations on what adjustments could be considered ensuring a safe/healthy working environment for that employee.
Approved Occupational Health Assessment Providers will carry out the following industry-specified series of tests as standard:
- Musculoskeletal questionnaire/assessment
- Skin health check
- Respiratory health check
- Audiometry health check
- Blood pressure
- Vision (Keystone test)
- Vibration health check
- Colour vision (Ishihara)
- Urinalysis
- Mental health/workplace stress assessment
For more information on Health Surveillance assessments contact us for a free consultation.