Detailed job description and main responsibilities

  Policy and Service Development

·         Undertake pre-employment health screening and assessment of fitness to work with recommendations for adjustments to the workplace in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 under supervision of qualified occupational health nurses. Assess the need for further information from GP, specialist or previous employer for pre-employment blood tests in accordance with Department of Health guidelines and gain the appropriate consent.

·         Undertake pre-employment health screening and assessment of fitness to work with recommendations for adjustments to the workplace in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 under supervision of qualified occupational health nurses. Assess the need for further information from GP, specialist or previous employer for pre-employment blood tests in accordance with Department of Health guidelines and gain the appropriate consent.

·         Effectively communicate the staff member's rights under the Data Protect Act (2018) and Access to Health Records Act (1990)

 ·         To gain experience in the effect of health on work and work on health and be able to advise staff and managers.

 ·         To assist in investigating infection control problems arising in the workplace, collecting accurate data and samples, recording and reporting findings, and advising staff and managers on action required to protect patients and other staff.

 ·         To contribute to effective communication with the infection control team, virology, microbiology, and the rest of the OHWB team regarding infection control incidents.

 ·         Assist with external contract work as directed by the senior occupational nursing team.

 ·         To develop skills to assess any member of staff/student following a blood or body fluid exposure incident, undertaking a risk assessment, discussing with a senior member of the nursing or medical staff and taking appropriate action in accordance with the policy.

 ·         To ensure that all data regarding blood tests and immunisations are accurately recorded on the computerised database, that staff are informed of any outstanding screening or immunisations and provided with information regarding immunisations and blood test results on request.

 ·         Be able to administer a range of occupational immunisations in accordance with the Written Instructions.

·         Develop knowledge in assessing and advising staff about the side effects, effectiveness, follow up and rationale for giving occupational vaccines.

 ·         Develop the skill to accurately gather and record working history and exposure to workplace hazards.

 ·         Be able to take on the training and develop skills to undertake a range of basic health protection/surveillance activities e.g. vision screening; audiometry, skin checks, spirometry, swabs, phlebotomy, urinalysis, immunisations and administration of medicine under our Written Instructions as required.

·         Carry out initial assessment of employees following work related accidents/incidents, ill health or sickness absence, using an evidence-based and client centred approach to practice, under the supervision of the Senior Occupational Health Advisor(s). To seek further advice when issues fall outside standard protocols and guidance.

·         To communicate with GPs, managers and other members of the OH team as appropriate.

 ·         To utilise basic counselling and listening skills to support employees/students and managers. To refer following advice and as appropriate to GP, OH physician or Senior Occupational Health Advisor (SOHA) as appropriate.

 ·         Use basic knowledge, protocols and guidance to identify actual and potential hazards regarding manual handling, ergonomics, infection control and working practices.

 ·         With supervision, contribute to occupational hygiene measurement, control and education by following guidance in policies and protocols.

 ·         Develop basic knowledge and skills to be able to provide advice on safe systems of work, infection control, personal protective equipment, environmental safety, employee job placement safety, and rehabilitation following health and safety related sickness absence.

 ·         To develop skills to assess any member of staff/student following a blood or body fluid exposure incident, undertaking a risk assessment, discussing with a senior member of the nursing or medical staff and taking appropriate action in accordance with the departmental policy.

   Financial and Physical Resources

·         No budgetary responsibilities other than to ensure the continued maintenance of good housekeeping with the minimum waste of resources.

 Staff Management

·         The post holder will contribute to improving the quality of working life, by the effective provision of a comprehensive Occupational Health service and promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of employees in line with the organisations’ objectives.

·         Ensure that departmental protocols and policies are adhered to.

·         To ensure that clinics run efficiently across the service.

·         To provide support and training for junior members of the team.

 Information Resources

·         Maintaining the data base of information and will be responsible for safeguarding and storing data in line with national guidance.