A workplace assessment is a risk assessment of a workplace to identify hazards that an employee may be exposed to and which may exacerbate an underlying health condition.
For example:- an employee with an ongoing back condition has surgery and a return to work date is provisionally given. A work place assessment arranged prior to this return to work date with line manager, employee and occupational health will ensure that a return to work will not exacerbate his symptoms and will reduce the risk of further discomfort. This work place assessment - in a manufacturing environment for example – can advise on manual handling restriction for example 10 kg maximum, and if certain tasks that may require twisting, bending, prolonged sitting, standing in one position need to be restricted or avoided. Reduced hours initially building up to normal work patterns can also be advised.
These work place assessments are individual and specific to meet the employee’s personal requirements and can be reviewed as required.
A report is then provided to the company with the advised adjustments documented so that arrangements can be made to accommodate these adjustments. This ensures a return to work is in a safe supported environment and compliance to today’s legislation.
Please contact Apex Occupational Health for further details.