Fitness and RTW Flashcards
What is the fitness for work service?
A national health service that accepts referrals from GPs of individuals that have been absent for >4wks. Provides an assessment on their fitness and capability and offers advice to facilitate earlier return to work.
When is a fitness for work assessment required?
If a condition limits or prevents effective performance; is made worse by the environment; makes some tasks unsafe to self, others or community.
- Post offer / Pre-placement for adaptation
- After sickness for RTW
- Job change with altering demands
- Periodic review to assess exposure levels
- Retirement due to health
What is the aim of a FFW assessment?
Not to diagnose or cause exclusion from a job but to provide advice with the help of OH. Summarises nature, management and possible treatments, complications, stability or progression and if the workplace is required to make adaptions.
Who can replace a sick note with a fit note in order to return to work? What is considered when writing a fit note?
GP.
Considers if the pt wants/willingness to return, if they’re symptom free or require adaptations and if the work is feasible. Only considers functional capacity and provides advice and recommendations without disclosing the diagnosis.
How does the Equality Act (2010) protect employees when sick?
It makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate on the grounds of a medical disability. Must take reasonable steps to accommodate.
What does a medical assessment cover?
Hx of employment for latency
Sensory, perception, psychological, responsiveness and alertness
Who can notify the DVLA?
Doctors can advise a Pt on the impact of their condition on driving and explain their legal requirements to notify the DVLA. A Dr can notify the DVLA anonymously if the pt is unwilling to do so.
What are the effects of health on work?
SMARTIES: Stamina - demands, shifts Mobility - ergonomics Agility - coordination Rational - mental state Treatment - S.E, duration Intellect - cognitive abilities Essential e.g. driving Sensory - safety
What are the effects of work on health?
DETTOL: Demands - physical, intellectual Environment - risks Travel Temporal - shift work Organisation - management, customer Layout - ergonomics and equipment
What are the 4 categories that a FFW report states?
- Fit
- Unfit
- Fit with restrictions
- Cannot make assessment (lacking info)
Give examples of modifications that a workplace may include.
Reduced hrs / changed shift pattern Reduced pace / demand Redeployment Change tasks Adapt layout / equipment Training Access to work (practical and financial support) Continuous communication with work
How long can an illness be self certified for?
<4days
When is an SC2 required to receive statutory sick pay?
At 4 days
When is a medical certificate required?
> 7 days
When will a fit note be given even if not FFW?
If unemployment is having a -ve effect on health and they have the ability to recover whilst in work. Work may aid recovery as helps to focus on abilities not incapabilities.
