OH confidentiality
A survey on OH professional practice, carried out by Occupational Health [at Work], reveals that around half of OH nurses and physicians at least occasionally receive requests from line managers to reveal confidential health information to which they are not entitled. Practitioners working for commercial OH providers (outsourced OH services) are more likely than in-house professionals to feel pressurised by line and HR managers to reveal such information. The survey appears in the April/May issue of Occupational Health at Work. If you do not subscribe, individual copies of the survey can be purchased at the price of £45 + VAT. Please e-mail info@atworkpartnership.co.uk for more information.
NICE advice on long-term absence
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published evidence-based guidelines on ‘Long-term sickness absence and incapacity for work’. www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/PH19
Dermatitis guidance The latest evidence-based guideline from NHS Plus advises better education for healthcare workers about treatment for dermatitis and the risk it poses for bacterial growth on the skin. Work adjustments or temporary redeployments should be considered where necessary to restrict clinical work with patients who are at high risk from hospital-acquired infections. The guideline was developed by the Occupational Health Clinical Effectiveness Unit and looked at research evidence on dermatitis in healthcare workers, though some of the recommendations also apply to workers in other sectors. www.nhsplus.nhs.uk/providers/clinicaleffectiveness-guidelines.aspAbsence across the EUThe average annual number of days absent per employee across Europe was 7.4 in 2008, finds a survey from consultants Mercer. The UK had one of the lowest rates (5.5 days), while Portugal had one the highest (11.9 days). Overall, Turkey, at 4.6 days, had the lowest absence rate. www.mercer.com/healthbenefitsurvey Nanotubes
The HSE has issued a warning on the health risks of working with carbon nanotubes, noting the similarity with the risks posed by asbestos. www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web38.pdf
Nightshift
The Danish government has started to pay compensation to women who have developed breast cancer after working nightshifts. The decision follows a report from the World Health Organisation’s agency for research on cancer that working nights probably increase the risks of developing the disease.
Bullying at work
The annual Ban Bullying at Work day, the awareness raising campaign run by the Andrea Adams Trust, is unlikely to be held this year after the trust failed to secure sponsorship from businesses. The trust says it will close the campaign at the end of April. www.banbullyingatwork.com/
Latest NHS Research Plus available on our website.
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Conference news
Certificate in Occupational Health Law
2–4 June and 29–30 June 2009, Central London
An intensive 5-day course from The At Work Partnership designed to provide OH professionals with an in-depth understanding of OH law
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Attendance Management: Strategies, Innovations, Benefits
Monday 15th June 2009
(Early bird booking rates up to 24th April 2009)
Brunel Business School is hosting a one-day conference for OH clinicians, senior managers, in public, private and voluntary sector organisations, who are responsible for attendance management strategy, policy and implementation.
Come and learn from our expert panel of speakers, including:
- Dr Bill Gunnyeon, Director for Health Work and Wellbeing, Chief Medical Adviser to Department of Works and Pensions
- Professor John Harrison, Clinical Director, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
- Dr Steve Boorman, Chief Medical Officer, Royal Mail Group
 
Visit www.brunel.ac.uk/executive for more details and how to book
Click here to download the conference brochure
or email Cynthia Quek at c.quek@brunel.ac.uk
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OH for business travellers and overseas workers
8 July 2009, Central London
![[ Brochure cover: OH for Business Travellers and Overseas Workers ]](http://www.atworkpartnership.co.uk/conferences/OH_businesstravellers/brochure.gif)
A new indepth training day from The At Work Partnership addressing the OH needs of business travellers and overseas workers
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Advance notice
Employment Medicals and Fitness for Work
23 October 2009, Central London
Organised by The At Work Partnership
For more information, please e-mail info@atworkpartnership.co.uk
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