Although, I agree that it is important to try to give managers the
information they need regarding possible timescales for recovery, this can
be quite difficult.
Managers want clear definitive and objective information on timescales.
However, probably around 70% of sickness absence cases we see for advice are
likely to be absent due to common health problems such as musculoskeletal
disorders and common mental health issues like stress/anxiety and depression
which are rather subjective conditions with very variable recovery rates
depending on individual factors rather than specific objective medical
factors that can be medically treated.
It is important for those working with absent employees to have a good
understanding of rehabilitation theory and processes and in particular using
an approach focused on addressing barriers to a return to work (with
psychosocial factors usually being the most important) with any
interventions fociused on improving function. It also involves educating
managers etc on ways of promoting and supporting employees to return to work
and increasing their involvement in rehabilitation. A good resource for
exploring this further is 'Concepts of rehabilitation for the management of
Common Health Problems' by Waddell et al 2004 and essential reading for OHNs
doing sickness absence work.
Best wishes
Sandra
>From: Amanda Savage <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Occupational Health mailing list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Sickness absence
>Date: Thu, 24 May 2007 08:29:02 +0100
>
>I already communicate very well thank you & am well aware of how to
>phrase in reports
>
>Regards
>
>Amanda Savage BSc(Hons); RGN; DON; NEBOSH;
>Senior Occupational Health Adviser
>West Midlands Fire Service
>Office: 0121 446 4440
>Fax: 0121 440 4427
>Mobile: 07770863052
>Email: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
>
>Unless expressly stated otherwise, the information contained in this
>e-mail is confidential and is intended only for the named recipients.
>The information contained in this e-mail may be subject to public
>disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Unless the
>information is legally exempt from disclosure, the confidentiality of
>this e-mail and your reply cannot be guaranteed.
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
>Behalf Of Amanda Dowson
>Sent: 24 May 2007 08:25
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Sickness absence
>
>Hi All
>
>I read the comments about 'they really do not help either the
>individual or the OH professional as once you give a timescale you may
>be held to account when the individual is off sick longer that the
>'expected' average.'
>
>I would like to suggest that promoting a relationship of trust to allow
>you to give informed guestimates based on average recovery times without
>being treated negatively should the recovery take longer is perhaps the
>key here.
>
>Conversations such as @ I can give you a rough idea regarding recovery
>times, but these depend on individuals and post op complications. I am
>trying to give you enough information to manage but from time to time I
>may get it wrong. If you are happy to accept this I can be of greater
>assistance in giving timescales.
>
>Phrases in reports such as: I do not anticipate that they will become
>fit for their normal duties within the next 4 -6 weeks. However I will
>be able to give you a clearer picture regarding their rehabilitation
>nearer to this time and suggest an Occupational Health review in 3
>weeks.
>
>Ambiguous enough not to hang yourself but enough information to plan for
>replacement cover.
>
>Hope this helps
>
>Amanda Dowson
>RGN RSCPHN(OH) BA(Hons) CMIOSH
>Occupational Health Advisor
>Peritus Health Management
>I High Street
>Brighouse
>HD6 1DE
>Tel / Fax 01484 722444
>www.peritushealth.com <http://www.peritushealth.com>
>________________________________
>
>From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
>Behalf Of Lynda M Bruce
>Sent: 23 May 2007 20:02
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Sickness absence
>
>Hi all,
>I believe that part of our role is to advise management to allow them to
>manage their business and I have always believed there is no harm in
>saying how long on average such an illness/operation etc. would normally
>attract by way of sick leave-otherwise how can the employer decide
>whether they need agency staff or extra hours for everyone for a week or
>two?
>This breaches no confidence and acknowledges that we are all different
>and some people will be absent more or less because of individual
>factors-but it gives the company a fighting chance to manage the
>situation and discourages them from asking searching questions to the
>individual about what exactly they are having done.
>What does everyone else think? Surely we do need to offer fair impartial
>advice based on sound research?
>Look forward to the feedback
><http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201d20638/01>
>Lynda
>
>
>
>In a message dated 22/05/2007 10:17:19 GMT Standard Time,
>[log in to unmask] writes:
> I'm with you Glen - while I understand that generalised
>timescales are
> helpful to HR professionals they really do not help either the
> individual or the OH professional as once you give a timescale
>you may
> be held to account when the individual is off sick longer that
>the
> 'expected' average.
> In a previous role I was asked to 'estimate' how much extra
>sickness
> absence should be given to individuals with a variety of medical
> conditions that were likely to fall within DDA. While I suppose
>this
> could be looked at as the employer trying to take on reasonable
> adjustments I explained that this was not possible as we are all
> individuals and while someone with a disability may need
>adjustments it
> should not be assumed that they all will.
>
> Regards
>
> Amanda Savage BSc(Hons); RGN; DON; NEBOSH;
> Senior Occupational Health Adviser
> West Midlands Fire Service
> Office: 0121 446 4440
> Fax: 0121 440 4427
> Mobile: 07770863052
> Email: [log in to unmask]
>
>
> Unless expressly stated otherwise, the information contained in
>this
> e-mail is confidential and is intended only for the named
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>
> The information contained in this e-mail may be subject to
>public
> disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Unless the
> information is legally exempt from disclosure, the
>confidentiality of
> this e-mail and your reply cannot be guaranteed.
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [log in to unmask]
>[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
> Behalf Of Glenn Raybone
> Sent: 22 May 2007 09:55
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] Sickness absence
>
> Hello
>
> I have to admit that I'm puzzled by this as recovery is specific
>to the
> individual surely? Can we generalise about expected length of
>recovery?
>
> I only ask as from past experience when generalistions were made
>this
> led
> to future problems. Whilst the type of illness and/or treatment
>must be
> looked at so too must the role that the person does.
>
> I will check out the website mentioned.
>
> regards
>
> Glenn
>
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