In addition to complying with legislation, occupational medicine is a service that benefits both companies and workers.
In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about this specialty.
Preventing occupational diseases and proactively promoting workers’ health and quality of life.
These are the objectives of occupational medicine, or occupational health.
Occupational medicine is a medical specialty obliged by law to ensure that workers’ health is properly monitored in the light of the risks to which they are exposed in the workplace and in the course of their professional activity.
With proper monitoring by the occupational doctor and the occupational nurse, who keep an eye on workers’ health, they are better protected against the risks to their health and safety associated with the job they do.
There are various risks associated with different jobs: for example, the risk of exposure to chemical agents, the risk of exposure to ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, noise, vibrations, among others.
Nursing examinations are specific and appropriate to each job based on the risks inherent to it.
With a good occupational health service, companies can safeguard the health and profitability of their employees.
Health monitoring in the workplace makes it possible to avoid accidents and occupational illnesses and the resulting loss of productivity, while also contributing to a more motivated team.
– What does an occupational health consultation consist of?
An occupational medicine consultation is not very different from a general medical consultation, except that it focuses on work-related issues.
In other words, in this consultation, the doctor assesses the signs and symptoms linked to the worker’s professional activity, identifying risk factors at an early stage and determining whether or not they are fit to perform their job.
It is good practice for the occupational physician to be accompanied by the occupational nurse, so that the employee is seen by both.
– What kind of occupational health examinations are there and how often are they carried out?
Admission exam: It is taken before you take up your duties or, if you need to take up your duties urgently, within the following 15 days.
Periodic check-ups: For workers between the ages of 18 and 50 who do not carry out risky activities, this check-up takes place every two years.
In the case of risky activities or workers over the age of 50, this appointment must be carried out every year.
Occasional examination: This is compulsory after a period of sick leave lasting more than 30 days, whether due to illness or accident.
The occasional consultation can also be requested by the employee, whenever justified.
– What tests are ordered in an occupational medicine consultation?
The tests that can be ordered by the occupational physician depend on the risk factors of each profession and the tasks performed by the worker.
If the worker is exposed to noise, they should have an audiogram.
Workers who spend many hours in front of a computer or other equipment with a display should have their eyes checked.
There are also specific clinical tests determined in a Technical Guide issued by the Directorate-General for Health for certain risk factors, such as clinical tests for workers exposed to chemical agents.
Complementary diagnostic tests are the sole responsibility of the employer and do not entail any cost for the employee.
The occupational doctor may also refer the worker to other specialties, such as the family doctor, psychology, physiotherapy or others.
– Are occupational health consultations compulsory?
What are workers’ rights?
Yes!
Occupational medicine is a compulsory service for all companies and organizations with employees.
The employee is obliged to attend the consultation and during the consultation has a duty to cooperate, as well as having the right to refuse any examination they consider inappropriate.
The appointment can be called by telephone or email and if, for any reason, the employee is unable to attend, they must inform their employer and/or the company providing external occupational health services.
– What data is provided to the company following an inquiry?
At the end of the occupational health consultation, the company only has access to the aptitude form, which classifies the worker as fit, conditionally fit, conditionally unfit or permanently unfit for the job.
On the fitness form, the doctor can record restrictions on the employee’s tasks (such as wearing gloves or not being able to carry weights).
This form does not contain any medical data.
Employees are not obliged to disclose any illnesses they have to their employer.
Occupational Medicine SEPRI Braga – 253 271 525
Occupational Medicine SEPRI Lisbon – 212 693 999
