Occupational Health??

Marg

One of my colleagues has been diagnosed with a life changing illness and on her sick note the doctor has mentioned an "occupational health assessment" before her return to work.

We are only a very small firm and as her manager I need to know what this remark by the doctor means? I have searched the internet but cannot find the answer.

Does it mean we have to have someone from outside make sure it is safe for her to return?
OR
That between us we check that she will be safe?

(She previously operated machinery that she will not be able to do in the future and we are happy to assign her duties that do not involve this)

Thank you

jacques_chirac

It sounds like the employee's condition would be classed as a disability, and as such I would recommend paying for an external occupational health advisor to assess what adjustments might be reasonable. You could do it yourself if you are confident you will cover everything, but it would be a worthwhile investment to do it properly. Occupational health services are offered by BUPA etc, and also some NHS Trusts offer a chargeable service.

Takeaway_Addict

jacques_chirac wrote: »

It sounds like the employee's condition would be classed as a disability, and as such I would recommend paying for an external occupational health advisor to assess what adjustments might be reasonable. You could do it yourself if you are confident you will cover everything, but it would be a worthwhile investment to do it properly. Occupational health services are offered by BUPA etc, and also some NHS Trusts offer a chargeable service.

I agree with the above, however, you seem a reasonable manager so if you and your member of staff are happy to look then the first port of call IMO is to talk the member of staff and ask them what they can and cannot do.

If it comes to a point where you disagree with the member of staff then it might be worth looking at OH.

jacques_chirac

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

I agree with the above, however, you seem a reasonable manager so if you and your member of staff are happy to look then the first port of call IMO is to talk the member of staff and ask them what they can and cannot do.

If it comes to a point where you disagree with the member of staff then it might be worth looking at OH.

I'd be more proactive - I have seen situations where everyone has seemingly been in agreement and suddenly the employer receives tribunal papers. Even where these cases have been withdrawn or lost, the cost to the employer has been far more than a referral, both in terms of time, and financial cost. A couple of hundred pounds outlay means all bases are covered from the outset.

Takeaway_Addict

jacques_chirac wrote: »

I'd be more proactive - I have seen situations where everyone has seemingly been in agreement and suddenly the employer receives tribunal papers. Even where these cases have been withdrawn or lost, the cost to the employer has been far more than a referral, both in terms of time, and financial cost. A couple of hundred pounds outlay means all bases are covered from the outset.

Each to their own I guess, I understand the point and see the reasoning behind it.

If everything is well documented I see no issue in dealing it in house until both parties don't agree , especially with the cost of tribunals at the moment.

But as I say, each to their own and if OP you want to play it really safe then do as Jacques says.

Torry_Quine

What I find of concern is that a manager doesn't seem to have knowledge of what an Occupational Health Assessement would do. Every company should be able to get help in this area if they don't have their own OH department.

SueC_2

Torry_Quine wrote: »

What I find of concern is that a manager doesn't seem to have knowledge of what an Occupational Health Assessement would do. Every company should be able to get help in this area if they don't have their own OH department.

In an ideal world, yes. But many many small companies (and quite a lot of larger ones) do not have access to these sort of services. What is more important is that managers realise what they don't know, and seek advice when necessary. Which the OP has done.

Marg

Thank you all for your replies, I now have a clearer picture of what I need to do

SueC - you are correct we are a very small company (only 5 folk in all) in a specialist area. As a manager I have to wear several 'hats' in addition to my technical knowledge of the business.

Torry Quine - see above I'm sorry you are concerned about my lack of knowledge but as SueC pointed out at least I know that I don't know & took steps to rectify that.