Delivering our services safely in a COVID-19 world

Taking onboard the guidance provided by UK Government, Public Health England (PHE), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) and the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) as well as local public health and safety requirements, we will be conducting socially distanced assessments in COVID-secure environments, either in our offices or on client sites. This will ensure we can continue to provide support to our clients and enabling you to meet any statutory obligations and support a safe work environment for all.

What does a socially distanced and COVID-secure environment service mean for our clients?

It will effectively mean a staged approach to how we perform all occupational health assessments and will take into consideration any local or national lockdown guidance and/or the relevant Tier for the geographical area as published by gov.uk at that time. Please refer to link for UK Government Tier information. [see article]

Does this staged approach meet statutory, regulatory and professional guidelines and requirements?

Yes. All RPS clinical procedures are in line with UK Government, PHE, HSE and industry specific guidance regarding certification expectations, extensions or exemptions. RPS will support you with continuing to comply with any local health and safety requirements or regulations specific to your industry.

Requests for employees to be seen face to face

If clients feel they need face to face assessments from the outset, we will discuss their operational requirements with them. We will take into consideration the specific nature of client’s work and the way their business is organised, operated, managed and and will also take into consideration any local or national lockdown guidance and/or the relevant Tier for the geographical area as published by gov.uk at that time.

Can RPS assess employees returning to work after a period of absence relating to COVID-19?

RPS offer a robust COVID-19 referral scheme to assess COVID-19 work and health concerns. This could include RPS assessing:

• Suitability of an employee to return to work
• Suitability of an employee to remain at work and any required adjustments
• Specific advice relating to vulnerable people within your workforce

RPS clinicians will provide relevant guidance to the employer and employee that offers the peace of mind they need before re-entering the workplace.