Occupational Health

General Information

Staff:- Alice Hobson - Occupational Health Adviser   Sarah Armitage - Assistant Occupational Health Adviser
Location:- Occupational Health & Safety Office, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham.

Contact Number:- 0191 334 2657 (direct line)

Philosophy

The Occupational Health Adviser is part of the University’s Health & Safety team. In operating as part of that team the Occupational Health Adviser adheres to the general philosophies of Occupational Health including:-

• To maintain an autonomous role within the University and provide an accessible, confidential service for all staff.
• To promote and maintain the physical, psychological and social well-being of all staff.
• To provide advice and support regarding the effects of health on work and work on health, in response to current trends and research.
• To comply with national and local directives with regard to health, safety and welfare for all University staff.
• To support and advise managers in their role of maintaining the health, safety and welfare of their staff.

Strategy

The University Strategy and the University Health and Safety Policy make a commitment to achieving best practice standards in the management of risks to health and safety. The Health and Safety Commission's national Occupational Health Strategy has been used as a basis for the following aims which encapsulate the key elements of best practice in Occupational Health.

AIM 1

To reduce ill health in University staff arising from or made worse by work.
We will do this by:

• Providing and maintaining an Occupational Health Service for the University and its staff.
• Undertaking health surveillance where risk assessments have indicated that this is appropriate.

AIM 2

To help staff who have been ill, whether caused by work or not, to return to work.

We will do this by:

• Developing and implementing systems for monitoring sickness absence.
  Operating review processes to ensure that staff are fit before they return to work.
• Providing advisory and support services to managers and staff on rehabilitation programmes.

AIM 3

To use the work environment to help staff maintain or improve their health.

We will do this by:

• Implementing appropriate health promotion activities and collaborating with Local Authority/Health Authority initiatives where appropriate.
• Providing general advice for employees, through the Occupational Health Service, on health issues.

Health & Safety Advice

Work related Health & Safety issues for which the OHA can be contacted for advice include:-

• Display screen equipment – advice on eye sight testing and any ergonomic problems associated with the use of DSE. University procedure for DSE eye tests.
• Disability – Access to work or any adaptations or alterations that may be required in relation to any specific special needs at work.
• First Aid at Work.
• Immunisations – advice in relation to any vaccinations required or recommended for work.
• Noise – any concerns regarding noise at work and its effects upon health.
• Stress – or any mental health problems, associated with or affecting work. Leaflet on Stress Management (Word 97 format).
• Substances – any concerns regarding the use of any substance and the effects upon health.
• Work place assessments - associated with any health issues or problems.
• Pregnancy - specifically in relation to working environment and arrangements. Further information.

General Advice

The Occupational Health Adviser is also available to provide ALL employees with Confidential advice and support on any health issues.