Posted By GJB Davis Hi All, An employee breaks their hand at home/leisure and has pins inserted to aid the healing process. The employee is embedded on a client site and has had permission from their doctor and the client site Occupational Health department to return to work (albeit in an admin role). The pins are due to be taken out this week. We have been asked to undertake a Risk Assessment on the duties they perform including typing using a laptop and the possibility that this may affect the healing process. I feel this is beyond my expertise and besides if their doctor has passed them fir for work and the client occupational health department is happy for them to return to work then surely they must be ok. What would be your advice on assessing the risk to this employee? Thanks Giles

Posted By Ron Hunter I would take the advice of the employer's (not a third party)Occupational Health Provider, which should be written down with sufficient clarity. I would not undertake any further "risk assessment" - that is in effect what the OHP has already done.

Posted By Ron Hunter (Sorry for posting same reply twice!). Fair enough, but I still wouldn't be doing a R/A. Maybe I'd record the findings of a "back to work interview" instead. Is employee driving to work? If they can do that, they can do light duties! Irrespective of individual health issues, anyone asked to use a Laptop for extended periods should have a full-size keyboard and other DSE considerations.

Posted By Brian Hagyard Surly the risk assessment is that you get specialist advice e.g. an occupational doctor/nurse etc as appropriate and follow their advice - but isn't that what you have done? Is it Friday yet? Brian

Posted By GJB Davis Hi all, Thanks for the comments thus far. Lilian, would you be prepared to let me have a copy of your form to crib off? Regards Giles