STATUTORY & PROFESSIONAL MEDICALS
Unity ensures the workforce is fit and compliant by undertaking a variety of job specific medicals. Some are required by the Health & Safety Executive and others are offered to companies to ensure high health standards and fitness for the role being undertaken.
Asbestos
All employees exposed to Asbestos, or about to work with it, are covered by HSE Legislation and require regular health surveillance and a medical examination that only registered Physicians are able to carry out. Unity has worked for a number of years with the HSE providing a fast and efficient monitoring service for employees. Health Surveillance is undertaken at regular predefined intervals as determined by candidate’s age and exposure.
Asbestos: 2006 L143 http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/asbestoslicence.htm
Lead
All employees exposed to Lead are covered by HSE Legislation and require regular health surveillance and a medical examination that only registered Physicians are able to carry out. Unity has worked for a number of years with the HSE providing a fast and efficient monitoring service for employees.
Exposure to Lead dust, fumes or vapour can lead to problems with the kidneys and can also lead to nervous system/brain damage. Blood tests to monitor the level of Lead in the body, are carried out at regular predefined intervals and an annual medical assessment undertaken.
Lead: INDG305/ Control of Lead at Work 2002 (L132) http://www.hse.gov.uk/lead/
Company Vehicle Driver
Unity undertakes the same general fitness to drive tests as a standard DVLA medical to ensure employees are fit for their role.
Diving
For both professional and sporting purposes, divers are required by law to undergo medicals on an annual basis to prove their fitness to dive and maintain the safety of their diving in the United Kingdom. A certificate of medical fitness to dive is awarded on successful completion of the medical and is valid for a 12 month period. See www.hse.gov.uk/diving/
Forklift Truck
In a high stress and high speed environment with constantly changing surroundings, it is prudent to monitor a forklift truck driver’s fitness to operate, not only to protect themselves but their co-workers who are on foot. Unity tests the employee’s general fitness (including past and present medical history) hearing and eyesight, in a similar way to a standard DVLA driving medical*. There is a requirement that these tests must be undertaken at regular intervals.
*The DVLA does not have responsibility for licensing workplace transport drivers if they do not drive on public roads.
HGV/PSV (LGV/PCV)
Long hours in the driving seat means that professional drivers are more at risk to certain conditions. It is also a legal requirement for all drivers over the age of 45 to have a medical every 5 years, and annually for over 65s.
A comprehensive medical examination covers all areas of the body: vision, hearing, blood pressure, heart, lungs, kidneys, musculoskeletal system, nervous system and mental health.
Offshore Worker
The offshore industry is a unique enclosed environment which requires a medical every 2 years. Unity offers a detailed medical comprising a questionnaire, urine test, visual testing, blood pressure, lung function and electrocardiograph (ecg) if appropriate. A relevant medical certificate can be issued at the end of the consultation.
Unity is approved to issue Oil & Gas UK and Norwegian Offshore medical certificates.
Norfolk is an important land link for the North Sea oil and gas rigs with helicopter services operating from Norwich International Airport.
General Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Confined Spaces
Workers operating in confined or difficult to access places (such as storage tanks, drains, sewers, industrial containers, areas with little oxygen) must place extra care on preparations for working in environments where emergency help may not be easy to provide. Employees must be deemed medically suitable for working in closed conditions, which means not only being free from claustrophobia, but also physically and mentally fit, of a suitable build, and able to carry specialist equipment where necessary.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Provision and Use of Workplace Equipment Regulations
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare Regulations
Noise at Work Regulations
Personal Protective Equipment Regulations
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations