Occupational Health

Health monitoring programmes including:

Spirometry (lung function testing)

Occupational asthma and many other forms of workplace based respiratory problems are preventable and employees must ensure workers are not exposed to harmful fumes, dusts, particles, chemicals in the course of their employment. Risk assessment combined with environmental monitoring to ensure that workplace exposure limits are not breached is the first step.

Lung Function testing (Spirometry) determines the capacity and condition of a person’s lung function. A questionnaire outlining a person’s history of exposure to respiratory contaminants and symptoms is completed before lung function testing.

The results are discussed with the employee and a copy of these is given to them.
Education is given to the employee as well as advice on the use of personal protective equipment.
Referrals are made as required.

A full report is provided to the employer outlining trends/referrals.

Some industries where employees are particularly at risk include panel beaters, welders, builders, electricians, manufacturing plants, boat builders, woodworkers, spray painters, chemical and fertiliser products.

Audiometry (hearing testing)

A hearing test is a screening tool which determines the employees’ level of hearing. Hearing Assessments are an important part of a company’s noise management programme. These are generally completed at pre-employment, annually, and then upon exiting a job.

Hearing testing is completed using a calibrated audiometer and based on the AS/NZS 1269:4:2014. The testing includes a full noise and health history, an examination of the external and internal ear, followed by full screening audiometry.

Hearing Tests can be completed at your worksite or at our office. Testing should be conducted in a quiet environment, ideally an office or meeting room.
The results are discussed with the employee and a copy of these is given to them. Education is given to the employee as well as advice on the use of personal protective equipment.

Referrals are made as required.

A full report is provided to the employer outlining trends/referrals.

Vision screening

Good vision is necessary for workers to perform their work safely therefore, we need to ensure they have good visual acuity adequate for the tasks they perform. Workplace vision testing and a monitoring program should be implemented where employees are exposed to visual hazards, including:

• Hazardous substances;

• Heavy VDU/Computer usage; or

• Where vehicle operation is prevalent

We also take into consideration the type and duration of work undertaken, the equipment the employee uses, and their working environment, to give your employees the best advice regarding their vision and their work.

The results are discussed with the employee and a copy of these is given to them.
Education is given to the employee as well as advice on the use of personal protective equipment.

Referrals are made as required.
A full report is provided to the employer outlining trends/referrals.

Wellness programmes

Our workplace wellness checks are designed to provide education and incentives for staff to address health issues and can increase productivity, improve workplace morale and reduce stress.

Wellness checks may include:

• Blood Pressure & Pulse.

• Height, Weight and BMI (obesity) and/or Waist Measurements.

• Blood cholesterol & glucose testing.

• Smoking cessation advice and nicotine prescription available.

• Assessment of risk factors based on Heart Foundation framework.

• Discussion of lifestyle factors, nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management.

• Referrals to appropriate other services if necessary.

Often employees are not enrolled with a regular GP and the OHN may be the only regular health professional they see annually. This continuity of care is important for employees to ensure they are keeping on track with their health. Following the assessment, the employee will receive their own personal wellness booklet which has their individual results as well as additional information to assist them in making good lifestyle choices and maintain positive mental wellbeing.

Our OHN’s are qualified Smoking Cessation providers and can assist your employees to give up smoking/vaping. ICS can provide individual or group information and support.

We can tailor programmes to suit your company. This may be one-to-one consultations with individuals or it could be a group talk/seminar. If you are unsure of which tests your company requires or would like us to tailor a plan for you then please contact us and we would be happy to help you.

If a medical or occupational medical specialist review is required we can arrange for this, including liaising with the person’s GP and other involved health professionals.

Consent for Release of Information

Each person tested is required to sign an informed consent to undergo health monitoring and for any release of work related only information to the employer.

This is standard practice, as required by the Health Safety at Work Act 2015 and all information is collected and disclosed according to the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020.

For more information please browse our website or  if you would like to speak to someone, please contact us