ABSTRACT
The test will be less the effectiveness of our material investment than the effectiveness of our investment in man.
(J.K.Galbraith, The Affluent Society, Chapter 25:iv)
The good employer now recognises that promotion and protection of employee health is not only mandatory but makes good business sense. But
too often employers embark on small and poorly researched occupational
health initiatives. In this chapter the development of an appropriate
occupational health plan for an organisation or department is described. A
checklist is provided to facilitate the assessment of the organisation with
regard to occupational health needs. This includes consideration of the
culture and structure of the organisation, the nature of the work, selection
of personnel, sickness absence and other personnel procedures, training,
and the management of health and safety. The components of an
occupational health plan are described in five sections: person/job fit,
organisational style, health-related policies, staff support systems and
health promotion. A model policy is given at the end of the chapter.
