Occupational Health service
The role of the Occupational Health service
The Occupational Health Unit is part of Environmental, Health and Safety Services, and is located on the ground floor of Bute Building, Queens Terrace. Miss Nina Buschman is the full time Occupational Health Adviser at the Unit, and is a qualified General and Occupational Health Nurse. Dr Linda Grimmond is a doctor who has specialised in Occupational Medicine and who is contracted to the Unit on a sessional basis, usually Wednesday mornings. The Unit is mainly concerned with the effect of work on an individual's health and the effect of an individual's health on their work.
Health surveillance and infection control
Where a work activity could have a potential harmful effect on health the Unit offers or arranges periodic health surveillance, e.g. hearing assessment, lung function assessment, skin inspections, sight testing etc. Immunisations are arranged for those at risk of infection due to their work activity.
Health assessment
This is an assessment of an individual's ability to undertake certain duties, e.g. food handling, manual handling, usage of aerosols/cleaning products etc. Consideration of any pre-existing medical condition is taken into account especially if this could worsen by undertaking a work activity or present a safety concern. If health problems are identified in the assessment, advice regarding any reasonable adjustment that could be made to allow an individual to work is communicated to management.
Management referral
After discussion and agreement with a member of staff, managers can refer staff via Human Resources for assessment and advice. This can occur when;
- sickness absenteeism is identified as a cause of concern
- managers require advice regarding management of a health condition within the workplace
- there are concerns regarding performance which may be health-related
Detailed information is in the Sickness Absence Policy available from Human Resources. Reports regarding the likely length of absence, or any adjustments that could be taken to allow a person to return to work etc are sent to both Human Resources and the individual's Manager. N.B. Confidential medical information is only divulged with the consent of the member of staff concerned.
First aid
The Unit is responsible for the provision of first aid equipment and the training of first- aiders and appointed persons throughout the University.
The Unit is also responsible for the production of the University's First Aid at Work policy.
Training
The Unit offers training to other Schools/Units/Residences on manual handling/back care, stress recognition and 'de-stressing' strategies, emergency first-aid, etc.
Self referral
Any member of staff can refer themselves to the department for confidential health advice. However the unit is not a treatment service nor can it deal with any medical emergency. The above activities are not the only activities undertaken. Please do not hesitate to contact the Unit if you want more information.
Contact
To contact Nina Buschman or Dr Grimmond please either phone directly on 2752, email 'nab3' or contact the Unit Secretary on extension 2750.
Miss Nina Buschman
Occupational Health Adviser