Sickness absence - information for staff
Guidance on the speedy health intervention to help you enter work, remain at work or to return to work safely and positively.
Guidance on the speedy health intervention to help you enter work, remain at work or to return to work safely and positively.
We aim to liaise effectively, collaboratively and positively with all key stakeholders in the attendance management process.
This includes employees, managers, HR representatives and any other indicated stakeholders identified on a case by case basis.
Role of Occupational Health Service
The role of the Occupational Health Service is to advise both you as the employee and your Heads of Department/School regarding the impact of your work on your health and welfare and the effect of your health on your abilities to perform your duties satisfactorily.
To this effect, the Unit plays an active part in the implementation of the University Sickness Absence Policy.
Our role is purely advisory, both to employer and employee and is in no way enforcing or disciplinary. Heads of Department/School are reminded to refer to the relevant Human Resources documents regarding disciplinary procedures.
When to contact us
The OHS is available to give advice at an early stage on matters of long term ill-health.
Advice on return to work, rehabilitation, job modification, transfer or early retirement would subsequently be provided to you, and to your Head of Department/School.
As part of the process of providing advice, the OHS may approach your GP/Consultant to obtain a medical report. This would only be done with your consent, in compliance with the Access to Medical Reports Act, 1988. All medical information will remain at all times confidential to the OHS, and will only be released with the your consent.
We aim to offer employees a consultation prior to their return to work following long-term sickness absence, and a review after their return, when appropriate.
Advice on return to work, rehabilitation, job modification, transfer or early retirement would subsequently be provided to you, and to your Head of Department/School.
Reporting work related health problems
Work related health problems, which may involve exposure to hazardous processes, systems of work, or substances, should be notified to the OHU by means of the University Accident, Incident and Occupational Ill-Health Record book system.
Referral
Referral to the Occupational Health Unit can either be via self-referrals or by Management referrals.
Related Links
Checklist to help employers and employees discuss sickness absence using NICE guidance