Return to work
Return to work medicals
Complete medicals for your employee’s return to work
An employee taking a short time away from work usually isn’t a big deal. The longer their time away, the more likely they’ll need a comprehensive medical assessment. Whatever the cause of injury or illness, an independent check is the best course of action.
Organising a thorough return to work medical is beneficial to you and your employee. The right medical clearance creates healthier and more productive workers. Employee absence in the Australian workforce costs billions of dollars every year. So, as an employer, it’s crucial to take return to work medicals seriously. Not only does it protect you legally, it also keeps your staff happy and safe.
How to reduce health and safety risks
Are you taking unnecessary risks with your workers? If so, you want to think about how you can better manage potential threats. What are the potential or preexisting health conditions that your employees may encounter? Are there things you can do to reduce the risk of injury and health issues to your personnel?
A good place to start is making a list of hazardous tasks that the employee carries out in their role. This can help medical professionals better understand exactly what they need to test. Or you could things to the next level… Such as introducing an injury prevention program to your employees. This would allow you to educate your team on common health issues. Whether helping them better manage the cold and flu or teaching the importance of exercise.
It’s your duty to provide a safe work environment
Let’s say an employee has been off work for an extended period of time. A standard medical clearance from their GP probably isn’t going to cut it. Return to work medicals need to be more specific when there’s been a long absence. You need an objective assessment of whether or not the employee is ready to return to work. It’s your legal duty to provide a safe work environment for your workers.
When you feel unsure about a situation, you have the right to question the medical clearance. Did you know you can ask your employee to get a second opinion through a doctor of your choice. It’s important to take care of medical clearances properly. When you do, you’ll protect yourself and your employees from various problems.
How can you help with return to work medicals?
There are a few things you can do to help achieve effective return to work medicals. Be open to providing more information about the workplace to make the process easier. For example, does the employee need to be assessed for a certain fitness level? Or for a certain type of health problem? Will the assessment be more general in nature? The information you provide about the job role can make all the difference to the validity of the test.
Rehabilitation and return to work
A short period of rest can resolve most minor health issues. But complex illness and injury can require a rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation brings the employee back to full health or close to it. In some cases, you may have to think about modifications for the employee’s return to work. The right support structure will prevent the issue from recurring or getting worse. Do you need return to work medicals for your employees?
Work Safe Occupational Medicine is a one stop occupational health service for employers. The director, Dr Tersia Erasmus services Browns Plains in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Dr Tersia Erasmus has over 20 years experience in healthcare. For flexible appointments, clear communication and quick turnaround time… Contact Dr Tersia Erasmus on [phone] to make an enquiry.
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Work Safe Occupational Medicine is a one stop occupational health service for employers. Having over 20 years experience in healthcare, your in the right hands with us. For flexible appointments, clear communication and quick turnaround time, contact us today and secure a time which works best for you.