The Role of the Occupational Health Advisor in meeting the Occupational Health Challenges

Occupational Health Services Policy implementation Supporting the recruitment process Provide advice and counselling Health promotion Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations Workstation assessments Health surveillance/ screening Absence management Management referrals Vaccinations

Benefits of Occupational Health Promotes and maintains good health in the work place Improved staff motivation and performance Better staff attendance and retention Reduced risk and cost of litigation Cost savings to organisation are maximised Overall - The aim of the Occupational Health service is to deliver positive measures that help protect and promote the health and well-being of all employees

Health Issues Musculo-skeletal disorders PPE Stress Risk assessment Health maintenance Post trauma Interpersonal relationships Absence management Substance abuse

Disciplines of OHA Provide specialist healthcare services Assess the health needs of individuals Address health requirements Develop, document and share information Work effectively with others Maintain safety and security Maintain professional development

What is the future? It is an ever changing service Evolves to meet new organisational needs Traditionally face to face consultations but telephone based reviews are now becoming more common Technical advances – files being stored electronically Stress in the workplace becoming more acknowledged Skills in ergonomics increasing within the OHA role.

The challenges are: To provide an Occupational Health service that will address the health issues of employees in an efficient and timely manner and to continue to seek ways to improve.

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