Occupational Health at Express Medicals
Our time at Express Medicals
Giving you fun fitness tips for optimum well-being
đ§ Managing stress for a well-being đ§
Top tips for optimum health and wellbeing
What is the point of Point-of-Care Testing?
Guaranteeing Your Chain of Custody
DIY SOS by Hayley Lancefield
The Life of a New Account Manager at Express Medicals by Joe Richardson
The Construction Toolkit That Could Save Lives
Health surveillance and hazard control in the workplace
Increased Interest in Express Medicalsâ Tier 5 HAVS Testing
New training keeps offshore workers safe in transit
Silica medicals extended across our clinic network
Weâre delighted to announce that silica medicals are now available at every one of our 15 clinics across the UK.
The railway industry is becoming increasingly aware of the dangers for workers caused by dust in ballast, which contains silica particles.
Itâs a threat to health that some have likened to the danger from asbestos â and employers have reacted responsibly, to avert a similar long-term health catastrophe.
How it effects workers?
Workers inhale silica dust when handling ballast as well as when they drill into concrete, bricks or tiles and also it is a real risk in many common construction situations. Last year, Volker Rail won a Railstaff Award for their initiative, âPositive Intervention to Control Exposure to Ballast Dustâ.
Nowadays rail companies are working closely with occupational health providers, ensuring their testing includes specific silica tests to maintain a high level of commitment to staff safety.
Express Medicals Ltd tests for silicosis and related conditions at clinics throughout the UK, and is seeing an increase in customer requests.
âTesting for silicosis is an important feature of railway medicals. We work closely with a number of companies to ensure workers are silica free, or to find out if they should receive early intervention as well as treatment if we find theyâve been exposed to levels that might cause harm,â explains Dr Dan Hegarty, CEO of Express Medicals Ltd.
âWe anticipate a significant rise in the number of these medicals throughout 2018 as awareness of the various diseases caused by dust-borne particles continues to be of concern. Itâs vital to test early, to help prevent the onset of silicosis.â
Silicosis is a serious lung disease, which has an affect on any worker who breathes in silica dust. In most cases the condition develops over a long period of time. If a large amount of silica is inhaled over a short period of time, then itâs possible to suffer from a rapid onset acute form of silicosis. Sufferers usually present with a cough and increasing breathing difficulties upon exercise.
There is an increased incidence of some other medical problems in people diagnosed with silicosis including:
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) which also causes breathing difficulties
- RA (rheumatoid arthritis)
- TB (tuberculosis)
- Lung cancer.
Thus, the role of correct PPE, including well-fitting face masks, is paramount.
A good occupational health provider will also help employers ensure theyâre meeting their requirements under the COSHH Regulations 2002. This is done by contributing to briefing sessions to advise on occupational lung diseases, including silicosis. What is silicosis? How does it affect sufferers? What does it do to the lungs? How is breathing disturbed? Why is it associated with some other medical conditions? Is it very dangerous? How quickly does it develop? Is it likely to interfere with fitness and the ability to work? Is forced retirement inevitable?
At Express Medicals we have created a four point process to assist managers. You should consider:
1). How best to educate your workers about the risks from silica?
2). Who to include in your health surveillance programme?
3). Who to appoint as the responsible person to organise and oversee the programme?
4). The appointment of an OH provider.
The OH provider will act as a significant advisory partner to your health & safety staff and the management team. Its services will include questionnaires, medical examinations, chest X-rays (when appropriate) and liaison with GPs / other health professionals. A provider like Express Medicals will be skilled in handling situations in which silicosis (or any other occupational disease) is detected.
The role of an occupational health provider in relation to silicosis falls within the much wider remit of health & wellbeing and health surveillance. The benefits of providing health & wellbeing services are increasingly recognised by employers. When helping to protect the health of a workforce, such services positively affect morale, retention and performance in any company. A workforce that is cared for will be more motivated, more efficient as well as boost company performance.
A good occupational health provider will provide valuable up-to-date information for your health and safety staff as well as the management team. They are essential partners in developing effective health and wellbeing programmes, to ensure staff are motivated and efficient.
For further information about occupational health services, please contact us on our website or call us directly in the office.
workhealth@expressmedicals.co.uk
020 7500 6900
Dr Dan Hegarty, CEO of Express Medicals Ltd, has more than 21 yearsâ experience of occupational health in the railway sector.
The Health and Safety Executive [HSE] provides helpful information on its website.
A very useful HSE guidance leaflet is âG404. Health surveillance for those exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS)â.
Sugar, sugar
As part of Diabetes Week, our medical staff was out and about with clients, testing their staff for blood sugar levels. This is where we discovered some surprises.
Lifestyle, diet and exercise levels all affect the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. Whether itâs four sugars in four teas a day, multiple energy drinks to kick start your day or unhealthy fast foods on the way home.
The fun of walking
When we think of exercise we think of sports, the typical but structured process of a regular routine. Either where we join other people or work out in the gym on our own. This requires a lot of effort and often doesnât suit us all.
Instead, think of a simple process: moving more often!
Many of us are far more sedentary than is good for us. If going to a gym or organised sport feels too much of a commitment, aim for something simpler!
MTR Crossrail chooses Express Medicals’ service
Express Medicals won the contract to provide a full range of occupational health services to MTR Crossrail.
The deadly sound of silence
Mike Stallard, non-executive director at Express Medicals tells the story of his health incident as a warning to others.
I was very lucky in more ways. When the chance to retire came in my mid-50s, I grabbed the opportunity. I had longed to move to France, so a dream came true. So here I was, having a relaxing meal with friends in a French restaurant and thinking how lucky I was.
Thereâs that word again â lucky.
Drugs and alcohol: How safe do you feel?
At Express Medicals, we believe in prevention, rather than cure.
When it comes to threats to our safety, what comes to mind? Is it natural disasters, terror, crossing the road?
We often fail to consider whatâs on our doorstep as we go on with our daily lives and work routine.
Healthy Heart – lower your risks of heart disease
Â
When it comes to heart health, many people donât realize the fact that they can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular problems very easily. This only includes making a few minor changes in their lives.