Fitness for Work (level 6)

Module delivery dates

Lancaster - 14 November and 12 December 2013

You will need to attend one of the induction days prior to commencing your first module; these are running in Lancaster on 18 or 19 September 2013 (you only need to attend one date), 08 January 2014 and 26 March 2014 and in Carlisle on 20 September 2013, 07 January 2014 and 25 March 2014. If you have studied at the University of Cumbria in the past two years the requirement to attend the induction day may be waived.

Closing date for applications

The closing date for applications is 5 working days prior to the module start date or, if this is your first module, 5 working days prior to the induction date.

Why study with us?

This module aims to equip the student with the detailed knowledge and critical understanding that is required to undertake an effective new starter or pre-employment health assessment and judge fitness for work using pre-existing standards in the workplace.

Finance

If you are employed within NHS North West and this module is to be funded by your employing Trust, please contact your Line Manager and CPD Lead for advice relating to funding and the funding application process.

What can this course lead to? This module can be studied as part of the University Advanced Diploma (UAD) Occupational Health or drawn into the BSc (Hons) Practice Development. Resources and facilities

We are amongst the UK’s leading health and wellbeing faculties and are proud of the high level of support we are able to offer to our students. We provide a wide range of high-quality courses supported by expert academic and clinical practice staff. If you join us you will enjoy great facilities and learn alongside caring, committed and experienced professionals. Our employment record is excellent.

Entry requirements

Evidence of prior successful study at underpinning level.

More information about levels and credits.

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: 20 credits Selection criteria

This module has been planned in the light of the Royal College of Nursing (2011) Occupational Health Career and Competence Development Guidance, and Dame Carol Black's (2008) report Working for a Healthier Tomorrow.

To be eligible to study this module, you must demonstrate the ability to study at this level and commit to attempting the assessment. When taken as part of a specific named award, the module content and assessment must be focussed towards the subject of that award. Participation in the formative components of the module is required in order to pass the module.

Modules

HPHO6004 Fitness for Work (20 credits at level 6)

Intended learning outcomes

Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and critical awareness of the key concepts of new starter and pre-employment health assessment in a high risk environment

• Demonstrate a detailed and critical understanding of statutory and non-statutory new starter surveillance with reference to the Appointed Doctors system
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the methodologies used to conduct new starter and pre-employment health assessment, and evaluation of findings with critical reference to recognised evidence bases
• Demonstrate a the systematic application of ILOs 1, 2 and 3 to a workplace context where complex multiple exposures exist, or there are high risk areas.

Indicative core bibliography

Aw, TC. Gardiner, K. Harrington, JM. (ed) (2007) Occupational Health. 5th Edition. Blackwell Science. Not in stock

Kloss, D. (2010) Occupational Health Law. 5th edition. London: Wiley-Blackwell ebook

Lewis, J. & Thonbory G (2010) Employment law & occupational health: a practical handbook. 2nd edtion. London: Wiley-Blackwell 1 x L

Oakley, K. (2008) (ed) Occupational Health Nursing. 3rd edition. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd Just 2002 (2nd edition)

Palmer, K.T, Cox, R.A.F. & Brown, I. (2007) Fitness for Work The Medical Aspects 4th Edition London: Faculty of Occupational Medicine 1 x L 1 x C

Thornbory, G. (2009) (Ed) Public Health Nursing: A textbook for Health visitors, School Nurses and Occupational Health Nurses. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell 2 x L

Westerholme, P., Nilstun, T. & Øvreteit, J. (2004) (eds) Practical Ethics in Occupational Health Oxford: Ratcliffe 1 x L 1 x C

Whitaker S. Aw TC. (1995) Audit of Pre employment health assessment in the National Health Service. Jn Occup Med. 45:2 75-80 Journal

Whitaker S. (1993) PEA: working towards standards of good practice in the NHS. Occupational Health Journal. London Journal

Course summary

This module will cover the statutory and non-statutory requirements for conducting new starter and pre-employment health assessments, including their methodologies, with a view to clinical decision making regarding a client's fitness to work. The Equality Act 2010 and Data Protection Act 1998 will be referred to, as will key Health and Safety Executive Regulations and Industrial Sector Specific Guidance documents. The student will be encouraged to reflect upon the primary sources of research and the opportunities presented for improving their own practice.