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There are many medical conditions that may affect fitness for work. However, the commonest conditions are:
The CLINICAL AND EVALUATION UNIT will be able to assess all these conditions, taking into account individual and organisational factors.
Any health problem can be assessed, however. Exposure of workers to specific workplace hazards, such as lead or other chemicals, or concerns about environmental hazards can be addressed. Psychosocial issues, including alcohol and drug abuse are also part of the remit of the unit, when performance at work becomes a problem or a concern.
The clinical assessment may be performed by one of a team of doctors specialising in occupational medicine or by a specialist occupational health nurse. Concerns about environmental exposures and chemical incidents will be addressed by Professor P G Blain, professor of environmental medicine.
This type of assessment differs from that performed by other doctors: In addition to diagnosing a medical illness, information must be sought about exposure to hazards and about the degree to which they have affected the individuals concerned. Visits to places of work or the scene of an environmental concern may be necessary, as may interrogation of one of a number of databases.
The clinical assessment is designed to ascertain whether a medical condition exists, whether it is due to an external hazard and what can be done to alleviate the condition. The management of work-related problems is performed in accordance with CLINICAL FRAMEWORKS
The expert of assessment of workers with health problems is part of the management of the health and safety at work requirements and, for the NHS, part of Clinical Governance.
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