Occupational health advice "definitely needed"

A study commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has shown the importance of occupational health advice.

Researchers looked at the advisory services operated by Healthworks in London (Newham) and the Sheffield Occupational Health Advisory Service. They found that up to six months after receiving advice, participants reported observable changes in their workplaces. These included more workplace visits and demands made by health and safety inspectors, increased numbers of safety committees, and actual changes in how health and safety was organised in the workplace.

One worker said: “I realised I was not going mad, and that right is on my side. Having the health and safety advisor listening to me helped me a lot”.

Researchers concluded: “From participants’ reports, there is a definite need for occupational health advisory services.”

The evaluation of occupational health advice in primary health care (RR242) is available from HSE Books, price £15. It can be downloaded free from www.hse. gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr242.pdf