I like the reply from Jeremy about this - very sensible
"Sickness absence" is a management responsibility. I advise a large company
( 800 youngish, male predominant, manual handlers) on all matters related to
health at work and sickness absence advice is commonnly sought and it is the
one area where I have to constantly remind them of ethical boundaries and
remind workers and shop stewards of my confidentiality to workers that see
me. So yes there are areas of conflict especially if managers adopt the
sociopathic view of absence - I have had to resign from one position because
the management could not see that the high rates of absence were due to
their poor running of the workforce and yes they regarded me as a "solution"
Awareness that this attitude is prevalent, getting out if management shows
no awareness of their actions or ability to change and work with you, and
listening to your conscience are all important
--
Dr Mark O'Connor
-----Original Message-----
From: Occ-health is a list open to everyone with an interest in
teaching, learning [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Maguire, Kevin
Sent: 29 October 2001 09:50
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Sickness Absence
In view of the Forest Occupational Health & Safety Group's flyer "IS
SICKNESS ABSENCE DAMAGING YOUR BUSINESS?", and as a non OHA, I feel I can
ask this question.
Does not sickness absence management sounds awfully like using the OH
Service in order to reduce the time taken off by employees of an
organisation?
I cannot help but hear an implicit "we'll drive these malingers back to work
for you"
As an occupational psychologist I am aware of the potential misuse of
psychology in the world of work. I read that in the debates in the 70s
there were accusations of 'cow psychology' (i.e. making 'contented' workers)
and 'engineers of the human machinery'. One commentator considered that
psychology was being used in this way in order to become legitimised and
gain the rewards of working with the prevalent powerful. Is this happening
in Occupational Health?
I know that many OHAs reject the 'factory nurse' role and I can understand
why.
Where, and how, are lines drawn in this tension between being part of the
management structure and protecting the health of the workers? Do
experiences suggest that there is no conflict or do OHAs experience tensions
with regard to this? If you feel aggrieved by this question, I apologise
but I would really like to know how you deal with it.
Best wishes
Kevin
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