Advice on Occupational Health???

[Cleofish]

Hi Guys,

I wondered if anyone at all would be able to offer me some advice? I've recently been offered a job as a Trainee Auditor on a graduate scheme, something I've been struggling to get for a while now, and will really turn my life around (I feel a trip to Disney in April coming on....). After a hellish assessment and interview process they finally offered me a job last week, which I accepted, and they sent my contract through this week. When I read the contract it mentioned that all offers were subject to clearance from Serco, the Occupational Health provider for the company - which I believe is pretty standard these days?

Anyway, I filled out an online questionaire on Wednesday night and had to disclose all sorts of info, and tonight I got home and there's a letter saying I have to go for an assessment with one of Serco's doctors next Tuesday. So now I'm scared . For the last two years I've been treated for a spinal compression, which means I have to have regular injections into my vertabrae, but I haven't had enormous amounts of time off work and have worked really hard with my physio to strengthen my core and my back so that I can deal with the issue better. I'm also overweight, but I'm working hard to loose weight, having lost 21 lbs since Boxing Day, and I've taken up running to help with my fitness.

I just wondered if anyone had any idea whether Serco would advise that I'm not fit for work with these issues? I'm really scared that they will take away my chance of a really good job just because I've had some problems with my health. Essentially the job is a desk job, so there's nothing in the job spec that I can't do because of my health, but I'm feeling really down and worried about it all now. If anyone at all has any experience of these kind of things or any advice I really would be eternally grateful.

Sorry to witter on, but my head is spinning with it all, and I know there'll be someone out there who knows at least a little bit about this kind of thing!!

Thankyou so much!!
Kirsten xx

 

[florida sun]

Hi Kirsten

Im sorry I cant help in any way as I know nothing about this, but just thought I would give it a little bump for you to the top, incase anybody that can help has missed it.

Good luck and I hope it all goes ok for you

 

[Chilly]

I can't offer any advice really except to say I think it is best to go to the assessment with a really positive attitude, I know it'll be hard as your nervous, but if you act like your health issues are not a problem then they'll probably pick up on that and give you a positive report. Try to answer all the questions with positive answers, if they mention your weight tell them you've lost 21lbs and you have a plan to shed more, and that sort of thing. Best of luck

 

[Cleofish]

Thanks to both of you Sue and Claire. I'm trying to stay positive, and will try to remain that way in the medical. Fingers crossed that my luck holds up and it will be ok - just have to wait until next Tuesday.

Thanks again guys!!! xx

 

[Cleofish]

Hi again guys!

Just wanted to follow up on this and say thankyou again. I followed your advice, was really positive and strong in my assessment, and although she had a few recommendations for my new employer, the doctor gave my the "fit for work" stamp, so life is good and it's full steam ahead for September now!!

Thanks so much again for all your advice & support!

Love K xxx

 

[florida sun]

Well done Kristen, thats great news, good luck to you and hope everything works out well for you, keep us intouch

 

[Pinky166]

Congratulations Kirsten.

Good luck in your new job.

 

[Chilly]

That is great to hear

 

[irongirlof12]

well done

 

[natalielongstaff]

great news

 

[PJB71]

Good luck

 

[tennisfan]

Great news, good luck in your new job

 

[Cleofish]

Thankyou!!

 

[guru]

Occupational Health checks are just a way for companies to check that some one is fit enough to do the job they are being employed to do or the job they are already employed to do. there is an obligation from the employer to consider making adjustments to a job if there are any fitness issues since legislation requires this, although the adjustment must be reasonable.
Generallly its a safeguard for employers to ensure they are not putting there employees at risk or employing someone who may not be fit, but from an employees point of view it can be quite reassuring, especially in your situation with your spine that the company can be quite sure that you are fit to do the job.
hope this helps best of luck with the job