How a long-standing occupational health partnership adapted as the workforce and operational requirements expanded.
As organisations grow, their occupational health requirements often become more complex. A health surveillance programme that was suitable for a smaller workforce may need to develop as employee numbers increase, operations expand and workplace risks change.
David Barber (O.H.) Ltd has supported a UK engineering business for several years, helping it adapt its occupational health provision as the organisation has grown.
When we first began working with the business, approximately 50 employees required health surveillance. This number has since increased to around 170 employees.
The organisation operates across several UK sites and has experienced significant workforce growth and a high turnover of employees. It has also recently undergone a change in ownership, bringing further operational and organisational changes.
Responsibility for health and safety across all locations rests with one Health and Safety Manager. As the workforce expanded, the business needed a reliable occupational health provider that could deliver regular surveillance, maintain clear records and advise on any employees requiring further assessment.
We worked closely with the Health and Safety Manager to understand the organisation’s activities, workplace exposures and practical requirements.
David Barber (O.H.) Ltd now provides regular health surveillance clinics for employees whose roles may expose them to occupational health risks. Depending on the findings of the employer’s risk assessments, assessments can include:
Following each clinic, the employer receives clear fitness outcomes and recommendations, while maintaining the confidentiality of employees’ personal medical information.
Where a result requires further investigation, we can recommend appropriate action. This may include reviewing an employee’s workplace exposure, completing a further risk assessment, arranging a higher-level assessment or advising the employee to seek medical support.
As our relationship with the client developed, we were also able to discuss other areas in which occupational health could support the organisation. These included:
Hepatitis B vaccination was discussed specifically in relation to employees who may encounter blood, sharps, human waste or contaminated materials. We explained that vaccination should be considered following a suitable workplace risk assessment and used alongside appropriate control measures.
The organisation has also used our management referral service when it has required independent occupational health advice about an employee’s health, fitness for work or workplace support.
By developing a structured programme, the business has been able to continue providing appropriate health surveillance despite its considerable workforce growth.
Regular clinics help the organisation to:
Our ongoing relationship also gives the Health and Safety Manager a consistent point of contact when questions or new occupational health requirements emerge.
Effective health surveillance is not simply about completing an annual medical. It should be an ongoing process that reflects the organisation’s current workforce, working practices and risk assessments.
By working in partnership with the client, David Barber (O.H.) Ltd has been able to adapt its support as the business has grown, from approximately 50 employees requiring surveillance to around 170 today.
If your organisation has grown, introduced new working processes or experienced changes in workplace exposure, it may be time to review your occupational health arrangements.
Contact David Barber (O.H.) Ltd to discuss your requirements and develop a programme suited to your workforce.
If you would like to learn more about how proactive occupational health services can support your organisation, contact our team today.
01332 318978