An occupational health physician is reviewing sickness absence data and notices that a specific department has significantly higher rates of

Question

An occupational health physician is reviewing sickness absence data and notices that a specific department has significantly higher rates of musculoskeletal absence than comparable departments. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a workplace assessment of the department focusing on ergonomic risk factors, manual handling practices, work organisation, and psychosocial factors

Answer

Recommend that all employees in the department undertake pre-shift stretching exercises

Answer

Refer all employees in the department for physiotherapy

Answer

Introduce mandatory health screening for all employees in the department

Answer

Reduce staffing levels to increase efficiency

Department-level MSK absence — DOccMed MCQ

An occupational health physician is reviewing sickness absence data and notices that a specific department has significantly higher rates of musculoskeletal absence than comparable departments. What is the most appropriate initial action?