Proactive vs Reactive Workplace Health Management

Transcription

1 Proactive vs Reactive Workplace Health Management Presented by Berni Cameron Strategies and Solutions Towards Vision Zero Forum on Workplace Health & Safety Singapore, August 2016.

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3 Workplace Health Be proactive not reactive - for an apparently insignificant issue ignored today, can spawn tomorrow's catastrophe. Ken Poirot.

4 Workplace Health In the workplace we have (to name a few): Doctors & nurses Safety & Health Officers Physiotherapists Occupational Therapists Injury Management Advisers Workers Compensation Officers Return to Work Specialists Rehabilitation Officers

5 Workplace Health How many workplaces employ the titles? Preventative Health & Safety Officer Primary Occupational Health Officer/Nurse Preventative Health Manager

6 Primary / Preventative Health Management Primary Health Management is: Designed to deter or avoid the occurrence of disease or injury Where health Risks are identified by conducting health risk assessments (HRA s) A planned ongoing health surveillance system Preventative in health measures implemented earlier rather than later

7 Secondary Health Management Secondary Health Management: Designed to treat a disease or injury as soon as possible Usually involves first aiders, nurses, on site health providers Possible relationship to other factors in the workplace (eg welding, packing fumes, repetitive tasks) Possibly requires further management from external providers (rehab, occupational therapists, physiotherapists etc)

8 Tertiary Health Management Tertiary Health Management is: Designed to treat an illness or disorder to limit disability and/or complications or, if advanced, to offer rehabilitative and palliative care.

9 Tertiary Health Management

10 Initiating Health Management Programs Where to start? Appropriate site health planning Site HRA s (Health Risk Assessments) Outcomes analysis teams Workplace leadership Effective and consistent communication with external providers and Government agencies Auditable, long-term tracking

11 Health Management Programs Health Management Programs require: Appropriate planning site specific Management driven with clear understanding of benefits Appropriate funding and resources Support from external resources Dedicated medical teams that understand site specific needs Ability to communicate with all Stakeholders A multi-directional and multifunctional approach

12 Barriers for Intervention Programs Can include but not limited to: Unrealistic workloads Lack of knowledge of workplace health needs/outcomes of HRA s Lack of Management support Lack of budget funding Apathy of some staff/supervisors Failure to follow-up or review Lack of communication

13 Continuous Improvement Many models for improvement, but few specifically for workplace health management VIP review of HRA s on a continuum Ensure site specific models Not one size fits all

14 Proactive Site Example

15 Simcoa Operations Australian based company committed to producing the world's highest quality silicon Based 160kms south of Perth, Western Australia Operates the only fully integrated silicon metal production plant in the world. Consists of two charcoal retorts; three submerged arc electrical furnaces; a filter plant for cleaning the furnace off-gases; and packaging and distribution facilities

16 Simcoa s Proactive Management Proactive health management program now for 10 yrs+ 2 yearly medicals for all employees SEG orientated for proactive management of hazards Bi-weekly on site physiotherapist (for both work & non work injuries) Reduction in W/Comp and site injuries Employee Health Ownership Other smoking, obesity, sick days reduced

17 Developing a Health Culture Through the implementation of proactive health management programs there is an increase in both workplace and individual health awareness. Not only does this create health ownership, but it continues to promote change and foster a health culture within the workplace. (Cameron 2009)

18 Be Proactive

19 Your Backyard

20 My Backyard