Having touched upon the reasons for and importance of pre-employment-, periodic- and exit medicals, as well as the impact of the ergonomic regulations in your business, the question is “What next?” … well, I suppose you need to get those medicals booked, correct?
But first, who does this apply to?
Certification of fitness (medicals) would generally apply only to your general workers, drivers, auto electrical assistants, journeymen, and B/A Journeymen. Yep, that’s it. And perhaps to Homer, no matter what he does … or doesn’t do.
Over servicing
Just as a few backyard ‘specialists’ may overservice their clients, some Occupational Health practitioners are less than scrupulous. Follow these pointers from eHealth Africa to make sure your provider is on track.
Who will do my medicals?
Occupational health assessments are performed by an OMP (Occupational Medical Practitioner – a doctor) or by an OHNP (Occupational Health Nursing Practitioner – a nurse). Regulations indicate that certain job roles must be assessed by OMPs (such as those pertaining to mining, asbestos, etc.) while the rest may be done by OHNPs. In the case of MIWA members, OHNP medicals will suffice. This implies a significant cost saving.
Which tests will apply to MIWA member employees?
In most cases, an OHNP medical examination will be conducted for general workers). For other roles, such as those mentioned above, a multi-drug test will be performed. That should be it.
The medical examination will include all observations including Snellen (chart-) vision (not electronic vision!), colour blindness (so Homer can distinguish between RED and BLACK wires!), and a physical examination. Drivers may get an Epworth (sleepiness) check and some employees may get a psychological and/or respiratory check. These should all be included in the price of the medical examination though.
How long is my certificate valid for?
Healthy MIWA employees’ certificates should be made valid for two years, while employees with health conditions may need to be assessed more regularly.
Well, that’s it for this month’s edition. Until next time …
PS Oh, and don’t forget to get old Homer assessed as well. But perhaps by a psychiatrist?