Contents Foreword
6
Introduction
7
Aims of this workbook
7
How to use this book
8
Things to find out
8
Section 1 – Occupational health: a long history, short on results
10
Background
10
Definition of occupational health
13
The scale of the problem
14
The role of trade unions
16
Identifying the problem
17
Safety reps’ rights to occupational health information
20
The TUC view on prevention
23
Activity – Attitudes to occupational health
26
Activity – Issues in your workplace
27
Activity – How big is the problem in your workplace?
28
Worksheet – The procedures for obtaining ill health information in your workplace
29
Worksheet – Assessing your employer’s response
32
Section 2 – Occupational health services: current provision
34
Range of services
35
Legal standards: employers’ duties
39
Evaluating occupational health services
45
–– Consultation
49
–– Staffing
50
–– Prevention
50
–– Equality of access
51
–– Environmental monitoring
53
–– Health surveillance
54
–– Other OH services
55
The TUC view on occupational health provision
56
Activity – Reviewing your experience of OHS
58
Activity – Assessing OHS in your workplace
60