One of the many things that makes Edinburgh such a fantastic place to live and work is the breadth of opportunity it offers to so many. From the creative arts to finance, technology to tourism – there is a wide range of industries that are thriving in the Scottish capital.

Of course, as the Occupational Healthcare experts at YourGP testify, the best way to ensure any industry thrives is for businesses to prioritise the health and wellbeing of their employees. We believe that only by valuing the safety and satisfaction of workers, can you get the very best out of them.

Here at YourGP, we help a wide range of Edinburgh businesses and organisations do just that by providing a variety of Occupational Healthcare services, including health surveillance and medical health assessments.

Read on as we outline some of the best ways businesses can take proactive steps to protect the health of their workforce.

Health surveillance

Some lines of work carry greater risk than others. Those who work with potential hazards such as vibrating tools, dust, fumes and noise may be at risk of health complications resulting from their work.

Whilst there are various laws in place to ensure the right safety controls are being followed and personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided, health surveillance carried out by an Occupational Healthcare provider adds an extra layer of protection.

YourGP offers health surveillance to a wide range of businesses offering both employers and employees the peace of mind that comes from knowing any potential health risks are being minimised as much as possible.

DSE assessments

Any employee that is required to use a PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone for continuous periods of time of an hour of more, is protected by law in the UK to help reduce the risk of eye strain, headaches, back and shoulder pain, for example.

Employers must carry out a DSE assessment to check that their equipment, furniture and working conditions are acceptable and are not likely to cause harm to the user. Any special requirements that a member of staff has – for example if they have a disability – should be taken into consideration and reasonable adjustments made.

YourGP can provide DSE assessments as part of a wider Occupational Healthcare package to ensure all staff are able fulfil their work duties in the safest way possible.

Industry-specific medical health assessments

Workers within certain industries are required to have specific medical health assessments carried out at regular intervals to ensure they are fit for work.

Professional drivers, for example, are required by the DVLA to undergo medical examinations, such as the HGV, LGV, PCV (D4) licence medical examinations.

Similarly, anyone working offshore in UK or Norwegian waters is required to have an Oil and Gas UK (OGUK) medical assessment.

If you are an employer and you require multiple DVLA or OGUK medicals for your workforce, contact sales@your.gp for more information.

Executive medical health assessment

Whilst not required by law in the UK, providing regular health checks in the form of an executive medical health assessment is a highly effective way of safeguarding the health of your employees by catching any problems before they develop further and giving staff the peace of mind that comes from knowing their health has been carefully assessed.

The executive medical health assessment at YourGP includes:

Initial appointment with nurse or healthcare assistant
– height, weight, BMI
– blood pressure/pulse
– resting ECG
– urinalysis
– spirometry (lung function) – if clinically indicated

Follow up appointment with GP (at least 7 days later)
– review of blood results
– review of medical history
– lifestyle advice
– physical examination

The results will cover 
– heart health
– diabetes health
– liver health
– kidney health
– full blood count

After the appointment a summary from the GP and a full report on his blood results will be provided

YourGP is here to protect your employees and help your business

Book a consultation with YourGP’s Occupational Health Physician, Dr Victoria McBride, and she will be happy to discuss the steps your business can take to protect the health and wellbeing of all team members. We can provide bespoke occupational healthcare packages, tailored to your specific business needs. Simply call 0131 225 5656 or email occhealth@your.gp and she will be happy to help.

Related: Medicals for HGV drivers in Edinburgh