Occupational Health Monitoring
Pre-Employments & Exit Medicals
Health screening is essential for any person about to be employed. This not only provides information to the prospective employer on their suitability for the job, but also provides valuable baseline data for future comparison.
We can tailor the screening to your organization’s requirements, and to the nature of the particular job involved.
The screening is done by our Registered Nurses, and any identified health problems will be referred to the appropriate health professional. Consent forms are completed prior. The whole process takes approximately 60-90 minutes.
The following tests are included but are not limited to:
- Medical History / Current Health Status questionnaire
- Accident/Injury history questionnaire
- Use of Personal Protective Equipment
- Height, Weight, BMI
- Blood Pressure, Pulse
- Audiometry (Hearing)
- Spirometry (Lung Function)
- Vision
- Physical mobility
- Drug and Alcohol screening
MedPro also provides ongoing Health Monitoring annually to observe and record the employee’s health over the time they are employed.
Lung Function Screening (Spirometry)
Lung Function screening is important in workplaces where the employees may be exposed to hazards such as fumes, dust, solvents and other dangerous airborne particles.
We can perform lung function testing for your workers in your workplace. We use the latest equipment and all our testing meets the ATS/ERS standards.
Our Registered Nurses have special training to be able to perform the testing and interpret the results
Hearing Screening (Audiometry)
Employees who are regularly exposed to noise in the workplace that is above the exposure limits of 85dBA over an 8 hour period, are required to be provided with hearing screening by their employer (Heath and Safety At Work Act 2015). A baseline screening can be introduced at any time the need is identified. For new employees it should be done before they begin working and also done after their first 3 months of employment. Screening should then be continued annually.
Pure tone audiometry is where hearing is measured by listening to tones through headphones. The softest sounds that can be heard are marked on an audiogram. This will be able to tell you the type and degree of hearing loss you may have.
How is this done? The test takes 20 minute per person and requires a quiet room. Each session with our Registered Nurses includes a discussion of past hearing history (including noisy hobbies) and a physical ear exam using an otoscope to view the condition of the ear.
As the hearing tests are carried out in the workplace, there is minimal disruption to your day. The testing complies with AS/NZS 1269:1989 and results are immediately available and referrals are made where necessary.
Vision Screening
This examination can indicate the presence of a vision problem or potential vision problem. Each session involves the employee wearing their normal correction lenses (if any), and reading near and distant charts. Colour vision testing is also available.
Referrals are made where necessary. The test takes 10 minutes per person.
Occupational Risk Vaccinations
In work environments where employees may be exposed to specific pathogens, vaccinations outside of the standard influenze vaccination are very important.
This can include vaccinations against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Shingles, etc.
Screening will be organized for staff who require it. Lab forms will be sent to you for the staff involved to get blood tests completed at their local Labtest. Once the results are received at MedPro, you will be notified who requires a vaccination, and who does not.
Arrangements will then to vaccinate those who require a vaccination. These vaccinations can be completed at one of our MedPro clinics or onsite at the workplace.
Drug Testing
Why do drug testing in the workplace?
The Health and Safety At Work Act 2015 places a duty on an employer to provide a safe workplace. A person under the influence of drugs in the workplace is a hazard, and could compromise the safety of themselves and others.
The Department of Labour states, “The use of drugs and alcohol, even if consumed outside the workplace, can lead to employee impairment while at work. Poor concentration, carelessness, risk-taking behaviour and errors in judgment can occur. Drug and alcohol abuse not only affects work performance, but also results in higher rates of injuries, fatalities and absenteeism as well as reduced productivity”.
Who does the testing?
Our Registered Nurses perform on site drug screening. They are NZQA certified (US 25458 & 25511) to undertake drug screening using AS/NZS 4308: 2008 compliant testing equipment.
What drugs are tested for?
- Amphetamines
- Methamphetamines
- Benzodiazepines
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Opiates
When are the drug tests done?
We can test for the following categories:
- Random
- Pre-employment
- Post Accident/incident
- Reasonable Cause
Can any workplace drug test their staff?
Drug Testing is only lawful if the company has robust and up to date Drug and Alcohol policies and procedures in place.
What legislation is involved?
Drug testing must comply with the following legislation:
- Health & Safety at Work Act 2015
- Privacy Act
- Human Rights Act
- Bill of Rights Act
- Employment Relations
- Common Law
Need assistance with writing a Drug and Alcohol policy and procedure, workshops for your managers or seminars for your staff? Call Medpro now!
Medpro has a close working relationship with Sue Nolan (MScHons, Biochemistry, Post Grad Dip Business) from DrugFree Sites. Since 1992 Sue has advised over 1000 companies on Drug Free Workplace Programmes, has presented papers at New Zealand & overseas conferences, and has co-authored books. Few people have her depth of knowledge and understanding of drug use in the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries and companies should consider occupational health monitoring?
Occupational health monitoring is required for organisations exposed to risks/hazards at the workplace, such as unclean air or noise. We can discuss your risks with you and make recommendations on the testing required. Engaging an occupational health hygienist may be necessary.
How can pre-employment medicals help with our hiring decisions?
Pre-employment medical assessments ensure that the applicant is able to work in the role they have applied for.
Can services be customised?
Yes – we are able to customise a solution that works for the organisation and meets the legal requirements of your industry.
What are the benefits of ongoing/annual health monitoring?
Annual health monitoring should be the final stop in a workplaces’ health and safety plan, to ensure the interventions put in place to mitigate risk and reduce exposure to hazards, are working. Testing also provides evidence that the organisation is complying with legislative requirements.
Where are the appointments completed?
Appointments are completed at the nearest MedPro site or on-site at your workplace by prior arrangement.