Occupational health
The Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service (OH) is a branch of medicine which looks after the health of the working-age population. The functions of the service are:
- establishing and maintaining a healthy and safe working environment
- maintaining a well performing and motivated workforce
- preventing work-related disease and accidents
- maintaining and promoting the work ability of workers
The Occupational Health and Well-being Service at Dorset PCT is a member of NHS Plus, a national organisation supporting the work of NHS OH Units across the country. To become a member of NHS Plus, minimum standards have to be met.
Our mission
Our mission is to be the centre of excellence for local occupational health delivery in the region.
Our OH Advisors and Physicians carry out many roles including:
- pre-employment assessments to ensure workers are fit to take up new roles
- sickness absence management and rehabilitation, including support for managers and staff during sickness absence
- identification and assessment of health risk in the workplace
- surveillance of work environment factors and work practices that affect workers’ health
- advising on planning and organisation of work and working practices, including the design of workplaces, and on the evaluation, choice and maintenance of equipment and substances used at work
- participation in the development of programmes for the improvement of working practices, as well as testing and evaluating health aspects of new equipment
- providing advice, information, training and education on occupational health, safety, hygiene and on ergonomics and protective equipment
- surveillance of workers' health in relation to work
- contributing to occupational rehabilitation
- promotion of the adaptation of the work to the worker
- participation in the analysis of occupational accidents and occupational diseases
Why is the Occupational Health and Well-being Service needed?
To assist with compliance with Health and Safety Legislation. Occupational health can provide help with legal issues such as compliance with HSE guidelines and employment/health law including COSSH and the Disability Discrimination Act.
It lowers costs by reducing unnecessary sickness absence. Sickness absence is said to cost the British economy £12 billion a year.
- increased staff retention
- improved productivity - better working conditions
How to Contact Us
Occupational Health Department
Ansbury House Annex
Pendruffle Lane
Poundbury
Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 3WJ
- tel: 01305 363838 - NHS
- tel: 01305 363800 - Private
- fax: 01305 363839 - NHS/Private
The department is open between 0830 - 1700 Monday to Friday. We can be contacted by ringing the following numbers:
Staff working at NHS Dorset: 01305 363838
All other staff: 01305 363800
