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#1 Posted : 17 March 2007 15:54:00(UTC)
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Posted By Frances E Hi I have been asked to look into developing a pre employment health questionnaire to get new employees to complete at induction stage. It is to find out if they have any pre-existing health problems we need to be made aware of. What I'm struggling to find the answer too is whether an employer is legally allowed to ask employees medical type questions or whether it is only occupational health companies that can carry out these questionnaires and keep their records? I would be grateful for any guidance anyone can give on this matter. thanks
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#2 Posted : 17 March 2007 16:08:00(UTC)
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Posted By John Murgatroyd You're legally allowed to ask people whatever you like. Of course, you'll have to run the risk of various problems...such as asking dsicriminatory questions....abouta variety of things. And the information gleaned cannot be sold to whoever you like, or even viewed by everyone above teaboy/girl status. They don't have to answer of course, or they may lie. Such is life. If you use a OHS "firm", they may not be able to tell you the results of any such examination/questionaire....if the man/woman refuses consent to divulge. Again, such is life. Asking gay men (or even women) questions about their sti status is likely to be a minefield.... Here's one for you to copy: http://www.hw.ac.uk/hr/h...alth%20questionnaire.pdf
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#3 Posted : 17 March 2007 16:35:00(UTC)
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Posted By Frances E Thanks John, useful link. I suppose the key is to keep it very basic, back, hearing problems, allergies, currently on medication etc etc so people can see the relevance of the questions to the type of work they may have to do. still a potential minefield though!!
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#4 Posted : 17 March 2007 16:46:00(UTC)
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Posted By John Murgatroyd It's not a minefield. A person with average intelligence knows not to go into personal details too deeply. Simple questions, simple answers. Any problems, ask the MEDICAL professionals (not the companies H&S consultancy....) Keep the filled forms confidential (yes, I know that staff like a good laugh...but just tell them that if they read them then their own details may be "accidentally" left on the desk) Keep the questions relevant.....I'm sure you'll be bombarded with details of reliable companies that "do" health surveys....that's up to you...me ? I always say either: "no" or "s** o**" Other replies like: "If you'd ignored your H&S consultants H&S policy you wouldn't have just had to pay out 40 grand...would you" are also on the books....along with: "well, you WERE told that lifting that would cause problems" (shortly after another pay out) are always good to throw into the mix.....but health questions ? My company doesn't WANT anyone to fill one in....not with their SERIOUS dust problem.
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