17 Assessing Fitness for Work and Return to Work Flashcards
What are the benefits of being in good work?
improves general health reduces psychological distress minimises harmful effects of long term sickness absence reduces risk of long-term incapacity improves QOL
Why might fitness for work assessment be needed?
patients condition may limit/prevent effective work
condition may be exacerbated by work
condition makes certain work unsafe for them personally
condition may make work unsafe for others, or the wider community
When to assess for fitness for work?
pre-placement RTW after SA job change periodic review retirement on health grounds
What are the features of a management referral?
seen and signed by worker
consultation with OH professional
dual responsibility of OH professional
employee has the right to comment on report
Who does assessing fitness to start work?
the employer, with advice from the OH adviser
When might the GP be involved?
RTW, return to work
What fundamental questions are adressed with RTW?
does the patient want to RTW?
does a patient need to be symptom free?
Is some work feasible?
Why is using the ‘fit note’ preferable?
focus on ability rather than disability
work can aid recovery
When was the change form sick note to fit note made?
2010
What problems are associated with GP’s and OH?
occupation not recorded in notes
GP’s don’t feel trained to use fit note
GP’s don’t understand occupational health
How is assessment to drive organised?
advise individual on risks of driving
advise on their legal requirement to notify the DVLA
notify DVLA when fitness to drive requires notification but individual doesn’t do this
Why is the eqaulity act significant for OH?
the employer must take all reasonable steps be taken to accommodate their health problems
What happens if the patient has a condition categorizing them as disabled?
OH informs employer, who needs to make suitable measures
What are the different categories of FTW reports?
unfit
fit
fit with restrictions
cannot make assessment without further information
What sorts of questions are fair for the employer to ask regarding RW?
date of RTW? residual disability on RTW? permanant or temporary? regular service to employer? what duties recommended for employer? will they require continued treatment on RTW?
