Inspections of workplaces

The occupational doctor is obliged to carry out an inspection of the workplace (supervision of the workplace) at least once a year and to document this - preferably with a protocol on the inspection of the workplace. The tour includes not only the workplace (e.g. factory), but also all the facilities that the employer provides for its employees (canteen, dormitory, rest areas for employees). The essence of a workplace inspection is the supervision of working conditions and work habits that can affect the health of employees.

The employer is obliged to allow the contractual occupational doctor access to all workplaces and premises for employees established by him, even before the doctor begins the medical examinations of the employees. At the same time, the employer must provide the doctor with information about the records of risky work, the supply of drinking water, the results of individual measurements of substance concentrations, the nature of the work, technology, material...

Protocol on the inspection of the workplace
By drawing up a protocol, the doctor verifiably documents that he has inspected the workplace. It includes: It must contain the determination of the load rate:
 * hazard identification,
 * risk assessment of possible threats to the health of employees,
 * evaluate the health demands of work.
 * biological factors (physical and mental stress, visual stress, work with biological agents),
 * chemical factors (chemical substances),
 * physical factors (noise, vibration, dust, non-ionizing radiation ...).

Outputs from the workplace inspection
Based on the inspection of the workplace, the occupational doctor must be able to:
 * assess the consequences of the work's impact on employees even when working procedures are changed
 * propose measures to the employer or evaluate the results of proposed measures
 * provide advice and consultation to employers and employees...

Occupational medical examinations of employees should only follow the inspection of the workplace.

Related Articles

 * Risks at work