Occupational Health    

Occupational Health is about the effects of work on health and the effects of health on work.  Occupational health practitioners are impartial and their advice benefits both the employer and employee.

Occupational health is a vital component of HR policy, enabling employers to understand and comply with Health and Safety legislation and to ensure workplace risks are effectively managed.

Occupational health practitioners have six core services;

·         Prevention – of ill health caused or exacerbated by work.

·         Timely intervention –early detection and support for the main causes of sickness absence.

·         Rehabilitation – to help staff stay at work or return to work after illness.

·         Health assessments for work – to help manage attendance, retirement and related matters.

·         Promotion of health and well being – using work as a means to improve health and well being and using the workplace to promote health.

·         Teaching and training – encouraging staff and managers to support staff health and well being.

Safe Sun Advice

Sunburn and heat-stroke cause serious problems in travellers. Both are preventable by following these guidelines:

§  Avoid going out between 11.00 a.m – 3.00 p.m. when the suns rays are strongest.

§  Use an appropriate ‘SPF’ sun cream.

§  Wear protective clothing, especially for children and those with pale skin/red hair colouring.

§  Drink extra fluids in hot climates and be aware that alcohol can make you dehydrat

Health and Well-being Week – 17^th to 21^st June 2013

Jordanstown Campus - Monday 17 June 2013

Magee Campus - Tuesday 18 June 2013

Coleraine Campus - Wednesday 19 June 2013

Belfast Campus - Thursday 20 June 2013

Occupational Health and Sports Services will promote a joint approach to Health and Well Being week across all campuses from June 17^th to 20^th 2013. Occupational Health staff will visit each of the 4 campuses during the week and provide a free mini Health MOT assessment across all campuses.

Sports Services will allow staff free access to the fitness suites between 12pm and 2pm and staff will be available at all the sports centres throughout the week for individuals to have the opportunity to discuss the results of their mini MOT. Also we are currently looking at providing free taster sessions of all our various classes which we currently offer to our members.

This will help raise awareness of the need for a nutritious diet, regular exercise / activity to help staff make gentle, but important lifestyle changes which will ultimately improve their physical and mental health.