Policy overview
Our occupational health service aims to ensure that:
- employees are medically suitable for their work
- the working environment is suitable for employees
This information sets out:
- the standards that staff are to expect from our occupational health provider
- the services available
Service standards
Occupational health is the area of health care that is concerned with the relationship between people’s health and their work. Its role is an advisory one. It is not:
- a substitute for a General Practitioner (GP)
- a treatment service for injury or illness
It provides advice on health issues of employees, which is:
- clear
- actionable
- business-focused
- timely
This will allow managers to:
- make informed decisions to balance the needs of the business, and at the same time
- make adjustments to support employees with health issues
This enables employees to remain at work and perform in their roles.
All consultations are treated in confidence. Medical information is only shared with the consent of the employee.
Principles
The service is provided by appropriately qualified or experienced staff.
Suitable equipment is provided along with convenient accommodation which is:
- separate from council premises
- fully accessible
- private
The occupational health service will maintain all administrative systems and records within Data Protection requirements. It will provide management information to support strategic planning and occupational health targets.
To enable strategic planning, the service will provide regular management information. This enables the identification of emerging health issues.
Occupational health will support with relevant policies and procedures. It will advise on changes to the relevant legislation.
The service will arrange regular contract review meetings with its staff and the council.
