THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH IN SUPPORTING EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELLBEING. KATHRYN TURNER OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSE ADVISER Workplace Wellbeing 1

PROVIDE OH SERVICES TO HSSD EMPLOYEES AND TO EXTERNAL CLIENTS OH DEPARTMENT IS BASED AT CORPORATE HQ AT PEH TEAM COMPRISES OF OH SPECIALISTS ADMINISTRATORS HSSD OH Service A SEQOHS Accredited Service 2

HEALTH IS A STATE OF COMPLETE PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SOCIAL WELL- BEING AND NOT MERELY THE ABSENCE OF DISEASE OR INFIRMITY. MENTAL HEALTH IS A STATE OF WELL- BEING IN WHICH EVERY INDIVIDUAL REALIZES HIS OR HER OWN POTENTIAL, CAN COPE WITH THE NORMAL STRESSES OF LIFE, CAN WORK PRODUCTIVELY AND FRUITFULLY, AND IS ABLE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO HER OR HIS COMMUNITY. What is Health? The WHO Definition 3

What is Occupational Health DEFINITION: Occupational Health is the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations by preventing departures from health, controlling risks and the adaptation of work to people, and people to their jobs. (ILO / WHO 1950) 4

What is Occupational Health Occupational Health is concerned with How work and the work environment can affect an employee’s health and equally How an employee’s health can affect their ability to do the job. 5

Wellbeing Factors that affect all aspects of Wellbeing Factors Work Health Physical Work style Lifestyle Psychological Stress Depression/anxiety Environment Workplace Housing Social Bullying/conflict Family issues Economic Salary/Benefits Disposable income Ref: Health and Wellbeing UK Ltd 6

Functions of an OH Service 7  Establishing and maintaining a healthy and safe work environment  Maintaining a well performing and motivated workforce  Prevention of work related disease and accidents  Maintaining and promoting the work ability of workers

Employee Health & Wellbeing An Integrated Approach Specialist Practitioners Doctors (FFOM, MFOM, DipOcc) Nurses (RGN, SCPHN) Support Staff Technicians Administrators Physiotherapists Psychological Support Services Safety Advisors Ergonomists Hygienists 8

What Services do Occupational Health Provide Work Health Assessments – new and existing staff /job specific Screening and Surveillance – COSHH, Noise, Compliance with H&S Regs. Health Protection - vaccinations Assist organisations in managing sickness absence - provide independent advice on long & short term health problems / reduce cost of sickness absence / litigation risks. Work with organisations to reduce accidents & injuries and work related ill health Advise on adjustments - to enable staff to undertake role safely and effectively Work place assessments / Ergonomic issues 9

Cost of Absence 10 The overall median cost of absence per employee £609 changed little over the last few years median absence cost is highest in the public sector and lowest in the private sector. Ref: Absence Management: annual survey report 2014 CIPD/Simplyhealth 2005 Guernsey Public Sector: 37,285 working days lost due to sickness absence at a cost of £ 6.1 million

Causes of Sickness Absence Short-term Absence (four weeks or less) Minor illness - the most common cause for example colds/flu, stomach upsets, headaches and migraines Musculoskeletal injuries for example neck strains and repetitive strain injury, but excluding back pain) Back pain Stress. Ref: Absence Management: annual survey report 2014 CIPD/Simplyhealth 11

Causes of Sickness Absence Long-term Absence Acute medical conditions (for example stroke, heart attack and cancer) Stress Musculoskeletal injuries (for example neck strains and repetitive strain injury) Mental ill health Back pain Ref: Absence Management: annual survey report 2014 CIPD/Simplyhealth 12

Key Messages 13 A good quality OH Service can help organisations become more productive, reduce sickness absence and save money. OH should work in partnership with key stake holders (managers, HR, Health & Safety) Managers should be aware what services OH provide and feel able to approach and access OH for support and advice.