The Employers Role | The Occupational Health Service

The Employers Role
Occupational health & safety responsibilities

Definition
Employer – the term “employer” means a Vocational Education Committee and in the case of primary, voluntary secondary, community and comprehensive schools, a Board of Management/Manager. The Vocational Education Committee or Board of Management/Manager may delegate responsibility outlined in this guide to the Principal of the school.

As an employer it is essential that you understand what your role is and your responsibilities for occupational health and safety issues in the school environment. This information is laid out clearly in the ‘occupational health advice on medical fitness to work as a Special Needs Assistant’ guide which you should have already received.

In short, it is essential to ensure:

• That those who assist teaching and other support staff are medically fit to do so.
• That they remain capable and medically fit.
• That the health, safety and well-being of staff and students are safeguarded.
• That your school complies with all legislative requirements including health & safety and disability discrimination legislation.
• That a consistent quality and standard of support in education is delivered to all those for whom there is a responsibility in so far as medical fitness.

As part of satisfying these requirements you as an employer should seek specialist advice from us on the medical fitness of all SNA staff who you intend to employ.

This includes:

• Seeking advice from us in relation to those who have suffered significant illness or injury to ensure that they are medically fit to return to assistant duties.
• Identifying concerns regarding an individual’s apparent lack of medical fitness resulting in performance issues at an early stage, investigate fully and speedily, seek appropriate advice including occupational health advice and determine necessary actions to be taken.
• Inform SNAs of arrangements for occupational health advice.
• Ensure that SNAs are aware of their responsibility for the health and safety of students.

For advice and assistance with this area contact us at local 1890 235711
or email: info@medmark4SNAs.ie