Occupational Health is concerned with the effects of health on work and work on health, considering an individual’s health, and fitness to perform certain jobs/workplace tasks. Your employer is committed to looking after your health and wellbeing and developing a healthy working environment, keeping you safe.

This is a pro-active measure that provides screening and reassurance for employees exposed to health hazards, including excessive noise, dust, chemicals and the effects of vibration. In many cases, this is a legal requirement for employers.

The health surveillance medical can include some or all of the following tests: Audiometry, HAVS, Skin Assessment, Spirometry, Urine and Blood Samples. Part of the assessment is based on confidential health questionnaires which will be completed with the Clarity Occupational Health Technician during the appointment

Occupational health surveillance is undertaken regularly. How often you will need to have an assessment depends on your job function and working environment. Please consult with your Line Manager, or Human Resource Department for further information.

Depending upon your role, you may require a health surveillance medical, if you are exposed to health hazards, including excessive noise, dust, chemicals and offhand transmitted vibration. This can help to make sure that any potential ill health effects are detected as early as possible.

The Occupational Health team will assess the condition, and advise if further investigation or treatment is required. If so, you may be asked to arrange a review with your GP.

In some cases, you may be referred for review with an OHA or OHP.

All medical records will be retained by Clarity Occupational Health. Confidentiality will be maintained at all stages of the Occupational Health Process. Managers will not be given access to medical records but will be given an outcome summary. Under the Data Protection Act (2018) and Access to Medical Records Act (1988), you have the right to see your health records upon submission of a written request. Clarity Occupational Health is accredited by SEQOHS and maintains its records with the strictest protocols in line with this accreditation.

There are several reasons why you could have been referred. The most common are:

• Absence from work due to a health condition, injury or illness

• To help you return to work following a period of absence

• A health condition, injury or illness that may be affecting your performance or the safety of you or others

• Recommendation from the Occupational Health Advisor following a post offer medical or health surveillance medical to support adjustments that may be required

A referral into OH also gives you the opportunity to talk over, in confidence, any concerns you might have about your health, in relation to your work, with an experienced OH professional.

Occupational Health will liaise with your employer and arrange a date and time for the consultation with an Occupational Health Advisor (OHA) or an Occupational Health Physician (OHP).

The consultation may be conducted over the telephone, face to face or via video conferencing.

The OHA/ OHP will verbally re-confirm your consent at the time of consultation. The management report will be based on the information you provide at the time of consultation, including any support information such as Consultant reports, and the questions on the referral form asked by your employer. The report may include the following information:

• Nature of the reported health condition, injury or illness

• Expected time frame for recovery and/or return to work

• Potential workplace adjustments

• Proposed return to work plan

• Guidance on health condition management

• Fitness to work and workplace recommendations

• Equality Act provisions

Further reviews may be required to most effectively assist with recovery and/or return to work.

In order to conduct the consultation and issue a report to your employer we will require your consent. You have the option to view the proposed report before it is released to your employer.

If, however, you do not consent to the consultation, and/or the release of the management report, your employer will use other information available to them when making business decisions. This may mean that they do not have the best available information to make decisions that may affect you and your health at work.

Please note that you can withdraw your consent at any point in the process.

Any clinical information taken during the consultation will be stored securely and confidentially by Occupational Health. Your employer does not access to this information.

The only medical information contained within the report is directly related to your fitness for work and the reported medical condition, injury or illness. This will generally include such information as the nature of the condition and its impact on your functional work capability.

All medical information will remain confidential. The only exception to this rule will be if the OH professional believes that failure to do so may exposure the individual or others, to risk of death or serious harm. In this circumstance, Clarity will act within the guidance of the General Medical Council.

The next stage of the process will depend upon your employer, however, often a Manager/HR will arrange to meet with you to discuss the OH report and any recommendations that have been made within it. Recommendations given to your Manager/HR by the OH on adjustments, phased return to work programs, duties and hours are advisory only. These will be discussed with you by your employer.