Faculty welcomes back-to-work plan
Government plans to get more people on long-term sick leave back into work will require an expansion of OH training, the Faculty of Occupational Medicine has said. “The faculty would be pleased to contribute to the plan of work for improving the skills of all doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, and would suggest that there are opportunities to work with other professional groups as well, such as psychologists,” it added.
Bullying guide published
NHS Employers has launched guidance to help employers tackle problems with bullying and harassment within NHS trusts. It aims to help trusts differentiate between firm and fair management and bullying and harassment, and includes advice on how to identify problems and tackle them informally and when a formal complaint has been made.
Sleepless nights for stressed employees
One-third of British workers cannot get to sleep at night because of anxiety, and three-quarters cannot ‘switch off’ when they leave the office, according to research from the Samaritans. The poll of 1,500 workers found that the most popular way of handling stress was to have a cup of tea, followed by taking a ‘sickie’.
Health and safety at work is a right
Neil Budworth, president of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, has urged employers to take a combined approach to health and safety. “Everyone has a right to a safe and healthy workplace. But the only way we will achieve this is by working together and sharing our expertise with other organisations,” he said on World Day for Safety and Health at Work (28 April).