Occupational medicine: what’s the final decision after the exams?

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.

At the end of the occupational health consultation, the Medical Aptitude Form (FAM) is completed.
The aptitude form determines the worker’s ability to perform their job and can result in:

• Fit worker: if the worker has no health condition that prevents them from performing their duties safely and efficiently, they are considered fit for work.
  In this case, no additional restrictions or recommendations are required and the employee can continue to carry out their activities as normal.

  It should be noted that the determination of fitness is always for a specific function, on a specific date and in a specific clinical context, and is therefore a concept that can be re-evaluated.

• Conditionally fit worker: if the doctor identifies a health condition that may affect the worker’s ability to perform certain tasks, specific restrictions may be established.
  These restrictions may include workload limitations, movement restrictions, ergonomic adaptations in the workplace or the need for periodic medical monitoring.

• Temporarily unfit worker: if the doctor identifies a temporary health condition that prevents the worker from performing their duties safely, they may be considered temporarily unfit.
  In this case, the worker will be temporarily withdrawn from their activities and will receive appropriate medical treatment until they are fit to return to work.

  You will also have to go on sick leave and request a period of Absolute Temporary Incapacity for work from your GP.

• Permanently unfit worker: in more serious cases, if the doctor identifies a permanent or chronic health condition that makes it impossible for the worker to perform their duties safely and efficiently, they may be considered permanently unfit for work.
  In this situation, alternatives will be explored, such as professional rehabilitation, job reassignment or the granting of disability retirement benefits.

It’s important to stress that professional secrecy is very important.
The occupational physician may not reveal any of the employee’s illnesses to the company.
On the medical aptitude form, they should only record any limitations or restrictions on the employee’s tasks.
Nor is the worker obliged to disclose their illnesses and disabilities to their employer.

What are the advantages of occupational medicine for companies?

Occupational medicine offers a number of advantages for companies.
Here are some of them:

1. Promoting employee health and well-being: occupational medicine aims to identify and prevent work-related health conditions.
   This includes carrying out periodic medical examinations, assessing occupational risks and promoting healthy habits.
   By taking care of employees’ health, companies can reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and improve the organizational climate.

2. Prevention of accidents and occupational diseases: through occupational health programs, it is possible to identify and control the risks present in the workplace.
   This includes implementing appropriate safety measures, training employees and monitoring working conditions.
   With a proactive approach, companies can reduce the occurrence of accidents and occupational illnesses while minimizing the related costs.

3. Compliance with legal requirements: occupational medicine helps companies comply with the rules and regulations relating to health and safety at work.
   By ensuring compliance with legal requirements, organizations avoid fines and penalties.

4. Talent retention: taking care of employees’ health and well-being through occupational medicine can contribute to employee satisfaction and motivation.
   This can increase loyalty to the company and help retain talent, as employees feel valued and protected.

5. Improved corporate image: companies that show care for the health and safety of their employees tend to have a positive corporate image.
   This can attract customers, investors and talent who value a commitment to employee well-being.

By investing in this area, companies can create a healthier, safer and more productive working environment.

Here ‘ s what sets us apart and learn more about our services.

Read also: Occupational diseases – legislation and procedures: everything you need to know