The requirement for occupational health surveillance varies depending on the workplace’s specific hazards. In certain cases, employers may be obligated by law to provide occupational health surveillance.

SEQOHS, which stands for Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service, is a voluntary accreditation process that sets standards for occupational health services. It aims to enhance the overall quality of care provided by these services, making a meaningful difference to the health of working-age individuals. SEQOHS accreditation indicates that an occupational health service has demonstrated adherence to these standards, reflecting their commitment to delivering safe, effective, and high-quality care.

The HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome) assessment is categorised into different tiers, each serving a specific purpose:

Tier 1: This involves an initial assessment conducted through a self-assessment questionnaire.

Tier 2: It entails a self-assessment questionnaire that should be completed annually for ongoing monitoring.

Tier 3: A face-to-face assessment is conducted by an Occupational Health Nurse.

Tier 4: This tier involves a face-to-face assessment conducted by an Occupational Health Physician. It is at this stage that a formal prognosis is made regarding whether the employee has HAVS.

Tier 5: This tier is optional and comprises a series of specific tests aimed at identifying the root cause or causes of HAVS. Please note that HealthscreenUK currently does not provide this particular service.

The different tiers of HAVS assessment allow for a comprehensive evaluation and monitoring of individuals potentially affected by hand-arm vibration syndrome.

When it comes to referrals, there are differences between a General Practitioner (GP) referral and an Occupational Health Physician (OHP) referral:

GP Referral: This referral is typically cautionary and recommended for personal and company benefits. It serves as a means to seek medical advice or opinion from a general practitioner.

OHP Referral: An OHP referral indicates that the employee may not be fit to perform their job duties, yet they are still at work. This referral raises concerns regarding the employee’s capability to fulfill their occupational responsibilities and may involve a comprehensive evaluation by an Occupational Health Physician.

In medical terms, obstruction and restriction refer to different respiratory conditions:

Obstructive: This condition is characterised by a reduction in the airflow to the lungs. It occurs when there is an obstruction or blockage in the air passages, making it difficult for air to flow freely.

Restrictive: In contrast, restrictive refers to a reduction in lung volume and capacity. This condition typically involves a decrease in the expansion and flexibility of the lung tissue, making it challenging to fully fill the lungs with air.

While obstructive conditions impede the airflow, restrictive conditions primarily affect the lung’s ability to expand and accommodate an adequate volume of air.

The HSE, or Health and Safety Executive, is an organisation entrusted with the responsibility of promoting, regulating, and enforcing workplace health, safety, and welfare standards. They also conduct research into occupational risks within Great Britain. The HSE plays a vital role in ensuring the wellbeing and protection of workers in various industries, and they work towards creating safe and healthy work environments for all.

Hazards and risks are distinct concepts when it comes to assessing potential harm or adverse effects:

Hazard: A hazard refers to a potential source of harm or adverse health effect. It signifies the presence of conditions, substances, or activities that have the potential to cause harm to individuals.

Risk: On the other hand, risk relates to the likelihood that a person or group of people may be harmed if exposed to a hazard. It considers the probability and severity of harm resulting from exposure to the identified hazard.

In summary, a hazard is the potential source of harm, while risk assesses the likelihood and potential consequences of that harm occurring when individuals are exposed to the hazard. Evaluating both hazards and risks is essential in managing and mitigating potential dangers in various settings.

Healthscreen offers a wide range of occupational health services, including health surveillance, pre-employment assessments, sickness absence management, mental health support, safety critical medicals, and more. Our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client and their workforce.

• Contact our customer service team directly at 01455 243700. They will assist you in finding a suitable date and time for your appointment.

• Alternatively, you can click the ‘Contact Us’ button below to access our convenient contact form. Fill out the required details, and our team will promptly get in touch with you to schedule your appointment.

Whichever method you choose, we are here to assist you in booking your appointment and addressing any questions or concerns you may have.

The turnaround time for receiving the results of an occupational health assessment may vary depending on the type of assessment conducted. Generally, we strive to provide timely results, and our team will communicate the expected timeframe during the assessment process.