Managing Health and Safety: A Role for Occupational Therapists

Abstract

The management of health and safety requires employers to undertake risk assessments, identifying hazards in the workplace and the associated risks. They are then required to eliminate or reduce the level of risk to employees through the introduction of adequate control measures. Some health and safety legislation develops this aspect of assessment further, such as the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 also places a number of duties on employers, some of which have an impact on health and safety.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 requires employers to have access to competent advice to assist them to comply with the legislation. There are many people who can provide such advice: safety practitioners, occupational health nurses and physicians, occupational hygienists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The role of each practitioner needs to be appreciated by the employer and there should be systems in place that will allow referral within a reasonable timescale and contact between practitioners to work as a team.

The benefits from having access to an occupational therapist can be demonstrated through the use of examples that highlight reduced costs to the employer from both reactive and proactive involvement. There are also a number of benefits to be gained by the employee.