Trainee occupational health doctor Anne-Sophie van der Werf-’t Lam: ‘Speak up in good time if work and health get out of balance’
For many members of staff, the occupational health doctor is someone they only meet when they have been off sick for more than four weeks. Anne-Sophie van der Werf-’t Lam, who has been the occupational health doctor for FGW since 1 July, would prefer things to be different. She hopes that staff will raise any signs of a problem in good time, preferably with their line manager first, so that they can work together to explore what support is available. The trainee occupational health doctor can play an important advisory role in this, even before any absence from work occurs.
Van der Werf-’t Lam has been working for the university for four years. Following organisational changes this summer, she has also become FGW’s permanent occupational health doctor. ‘As a trainee occupational health doctor, I act as an adviser to both employees and employers,’ she says. ‘I discuss the reason why things aren’t going so well. Is it a good idea to make changes to your work? Or would it be better to focus on your health now, and on your work at a later stage? When you’re on sick leave, I provide feedback to your line manager on what the options are. With a broken leg, for example, you probably can’t drive, but sedentary work might well be an option.’
Prevention Consultation Hours
It is a common misconception that an occupational health doctor only becomes involved four weeks after you’ve reported sick. Van der Werf-’t Lam: ‘You really don’t need to wait until you receive a letter from VGM Arbodienst + to make an appointment. If you notice that your work and health are getting out of balance, it’s important to raise the issue. Your line manager is often the logical first point of contact for this. Together, you can explore what solutions might be possible. You can also make use of the prevention consultation hour. During such a consultation, I can help you consider factors that affect your employability and health, so that symptoms don’t get any worse.’
That preventative consultation is completely confidential: ‘I am not permitted to confirm or deny that someone has attended if they are not on sick leave. During such an appointment, we can discuss together how to maintain a good balance – for example, by making use of various leave arrangements – or look at work-related issues during pregnancy, for instance.
According to Van der Werf-’t Lam, there’s no need to worry that you’re coming in too early or with symptoms that are too minor: ‘I’ll be very happy to help you reach the conclusion that your work doesn’t pose any risks and that you can simply carry on.’
Taking a broader view
Van der Werf-’t Lam also aims to contribute to prevention and sustainable employability from a broader perspective. ‘If you only look at sick leave records, you run the risk of overlooking the underlying causes. That’s why I like to hear about the issues at play within teams and departments. Every department has different challenges and needs. In one department, workload may be a key concern, whilst elsewhere issues relating to life stages, informal care, pregnancy or work-life balance may be more prevalent. I’m keen to contribute ideas on how employees can remain healthy, motivated and able to work sustainably.’