L19- L22- Work and Health Flashcards
What are the major occupational health risks in the UK?
Physical: heat, cold, noise, vibration, and radiation
Chemical: paint sprayers, hairdressers with isocynates, farmers, and builders
Psychosocial: working hours, bulling, commuting, stress
Does NHS provide occupational health?
No it has an obligation to get people back to health not back to work.
Which companies have occupational health?
Companies do not have to have occupational health but most do as it is in their interest. Some specialist companies have to have it e.g. dealing with radiation or diving etc.
What is the role of the occupational health team?
To provide independent and impartial advise to the employer and the employee
What are the most common types of occupational health injuries and ill health in the UK?
Musculoskeletal and psychological
When should an occupational cause be considered?
- Illness fails to respond to standard treatment
- Symptoms are exacerbated by work
- Doesn’t fit the typical demographic profile (ie lung cancer in a 40 year old non smoker)
- Unknown origin
What are the main considerations when determining if a patient should return to work?
- Medical condition
- Type of job
- Legal requirement
- Person involved
What is the fit for work service?
It is a government initiative that allows all employees to get access to occupational health. Employees are referred to it after 4 weeks off work and it attempts to get them back to work.
