Advice for professionals
Sheffield Occupational Health Advisory Service provide a referral point for GPs and other primary care staff.
Because of the structure of the NHS, primary care is the first port of call for patients with workplace health problems.
However, occupational health is a small and optional part of medical training. In addition, occupational medicine concentrates on treatment rather than prevention of workplace ill-health.
SOHAS provides a service that complements the GP consultation. A referral to an occupational health advisor can provide information and advice on:
- Health and safety law - employer's duties, and safety representation.
- Regulations on manual handling, protective equipment and workplace health, safety and welfare.
- Stress management and stress prevention e.g. coping strategies.
- Basic ergonomics - job design principles, ergonomic solutions, setting up VDU workstations.
- Health surveillance - Audiometry, Spirometry, Aesthesiometry and assistance with questionnaire surveys.
- Assessment of chemical hazards.
- Job retention and rehabilitation case management.
- Advice on benefits, pensions and civil damages.
- Employment and Disability Discrimination Law.
Sheffield is one of the few areas that benefits from a service of this kind.