OH News

£34k compensation after employer ignores Carpal Tunnel Syndrome A receptionist with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome at a children’s soft play centre in Horsham, Surrey, has been awarded over £34,000 compensation after her employer ignored the advice of occupational health. The full judgement from London South Employment Tribunal was recently published, showing how Let’s Explore Ltd failed […]

Aston Martin payout after failing to make reasonable adjustments An Aston Martin worker with a spinal condition has been awarded £36,000 at an Employment Tribunal. The Tribunal found that Aston Martin had failed in their duty to make reasonable adjustments. The decision highlighted prime examples of adjustments that the Tribunal viewed as reasonable and expected Aston Martin to

Changes to DVLA medical certification  The government has implemented more changes to medical certification processes, with DVLA medical questionnaires now able to be certified by a broad range of healthcare professionals. The changes, which became effective on the 20th July, enable healthcare professionals other than doctors to complete DVLA medical questionnaires. This is relevant for

Long Covid could be a disability An Employment Tribunal has decided that Long Covid may be a disability, which highlights to employers how the Equality Act 2010 can be applied. The case in question (Mrs H Matthews v Razors Edge Group Ltd) was held in November 2021 and, following further representations, has just been finalised

Pregnant workers law changed The law says that employers must provide safe working environments and manage risks to the health and safety of workers. This includes women of childbearing age. Employers have always been required to conduct a general workplace risk assessment. However, the HSE has issued updated guidance to clarify that all employers must

More professionals can issue fit notes The government has introduced new laws to extend the number of healthcare professionals that can issue fit notes. The change is intended to ease pressure on GPs. Currently only doctors can issue fit notes. This sometimes causes delays in certifying absences from work. From July 1st a much greater

Supporting positive mental health at work Mental Health Awareness Week brought a much-needed spotlight to the biggest cause of absence in the UK. Some research suggests the total cost of mental health problems to the UK economy is £34.9Bn. Other studies show that 1 in 4 people will experience a period of psychological ill health at some point. Before the pandemic

HSE launches online musculoskeletal risk assessment tools  The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has launched free musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) risk assessment tools for businesses. Every business with more than 5 employees is obliged to carry out risk assessments. They are also sometimes recommended by occupational health professionals as step for businesses to consider. The free

PPE laws have changed The laws that businesses must follow when providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for employees changed on the 6th April 2022. The law changed to extend the scope of PPE provision that employers must provide. What changed? Previous PPE laws (PPER 1992) placed a duty on employers to ensure that suitable PPE was provided to employees who may have

Fit notes law has changed The government has extended the time after which employees must provide proof of sickness (using fit notes) from 7 to 28 days. The change in the law has been made on a temporary basis, to free up GP time and help the nationwide vaccination campaign. Fit notes and proof of sickness Employees must