New initiative aims for occupational health step change

Members of the Joint Industry Board, which was created by electrotechnical and engineering services trade body the ECA, and trade union Unite, will be able to receive Occupational Health Assessment (OHA) funding for all employees covered by the JIB Benefits Scheme.

Each eligible operative can receive a funded OHA, every three years. The assessments will cover 10 employee wellbeing elements, including respiratory function, hearing and blood pressure. For the employer, the assessment helps to provide an indication of what steps need to be taken on site to improve the health and wellbeing of employees.

Paul Reeve, the ECA’s director responsible for Health, Safety & Environment, said: “This initiative shows our industry’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility. The electrical industry already has an impressive safety record, and now the ECA and Unite are working together to deliver a step-change in the way the industry manages occupational health, and how we report the industry’s performance in this increasingly important area.”

Alex Meikle, ECA director of Employment and Skills, added: “The ECA firmly supports the JIB’s industry-leading occupational health initiative. This forward-looking scheme represents a significant win-win for both employers and employees in our sector. We hope this development will encourage employers from across the sector to review their approach to managing workers’ health.”

To carry out the assessments, the JIB has partnered with four leading occupational health specialists – Clarity Healthcare, Express Medicals, RPS Group and Sarsen Health – to allow JIB members to select the most convenient provider and location.

To find out more, visit www.jib.org.uk/oha