Health Concerns in the Workplace

In seeking employ, it is not enough that one has the necessary credentials and knowhow to accomplish the job at-hand. Employers want to ensure they employ people who can do the job while making sure they meet their legal duties Pre-employment physical exams are an important piece to the hiring process and help determine whether or not a potential candidate will be able to meet the requirements of the position for which he/she is applying. Physicals can be customized to the employer's needs. Why carry out a pre-employment health assessment? Aims of the assessment: To make an appropriate assessment of new employees at the pre-employment stage in order to advise managers on fitness to perform the duties required of the post. To make any necessary recommendations on work restriction, workplace modifications or training to ensure continued health and safety of the employee and others in the workplace. To conduct tests in cases where there are special health requirements in the work, such as food handling. Pre employment health assessment will NOT: Predict who will be poor attendees in the future. The only known predictor of future short term absence is the individuals previous record of attendance which can be obtained from the past employers reference; Select those employees who will never become sick in the future;
Identify a group of supermen or superwomen who can do unreasonable amounts of work; Decide who is going to be a good employee or a pleasant work colleague.

How should pre-employment health assessment be carried out? Before setting up the pre-employment health assessment scheme, Somerset Occupational Health will require information from the employer about their activities. For each new applicant the following information will be required using the confidential self- completed medical questionnaire paper screening process. Details about the job Location Any hazards (identified from the risk assessment) the successful applicant might be exposed to Details of any shift patterns The form should be sent directly to Somerset Occupational Health using the pre-paid envelope supplied. The form is then assessed by an occupational health professional. Service Details

This will usually be an occupational health nurse advisor who will determine if the information provided is sufficient to decide on medical suitability for employment, or whether further information is required. If more information is needed:

A health hazard can be anything that has the potential to adversely affect a worker's health. on-the-job stress, chemical exposure, airborne contaminant exposure, ergonomics hazards such as lifting or repetitive motion injuries, and exposure to blood borne pathogens

Physical Examination Complete Blood Count Urine Analysis / Stool examination Screening for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Drug and Alcohol Screening Blood-borne Infections HIV/ AIDS Hep B

Immunization and Prophylaxis Depending on what is endemic in the area Why do I need a medical? To find out if you have a condition which could lead to sudden incapacity or abnormal behavior which could put a vessel in danger To find out if you have a condition which could recur at sea and need urgent treatment. To check whether you have a condition which could be a danger to other crew members or passengers To ensure that you are fit for emergency duties To advise you whether your health has been harmed by your work. To advise you on actions which you can take to safeguard your health. What are the most important conditions which may affect my fitness? coronary thrombosis (heart attack); some forms of heart surgery; problems with heart rhythm; diseases of the heart or arteries; lung disease causing shortness of breath; diabetes treated with insulin;

stroke; unexplained loss of consciousness; epilepsy; severe head injury or major brain surgery; treatment for a mental or nervous problem; alcohol or drug addiction problems; severe deafness or difficulty communicating by radio/telephone; eyesight or color vision that does not meet standards; transplants kidney, heart etc; joint replacements; limb prostheses; other conditions which can lead to sudden incapacity; other conditions which put you at increased risk of becoming ill at sea; conditions which limit mobility and stamina both under normal and emergency conditions; medication which has side effects which reduce performance or alertness or which can cause complications while at sea. Examinations Complete Blood Count Urine Analysis Vision Testing Visual Acuity Color Vision Visual Field Immunization and Prophylaxis Screening for Pulmonary Tuberculosis Audiometry Physical Fitness Drug and Alcohol Screening Blood-borne Infections HIV/ AIDS Hep B