February Safety Topic: Fitness to Work

What is Fitness to Work?

Fitness to work is ones physical and mental ability to safely complete his/her job task.

What affects our Fitness to Work?

Any injury or illness both personal and work related can affect your fitness to work. Often personal injuries or illness are not thought of as affecting fitness to work but they do. Anytime you seek care from a physician it is important to remember the following:

• Most work locations are considered a Safety Sensitive Environment. This means that certain types of medications are prohibited from being taken while at work. By communicating to your doctor that you work in a safety sensitive environment, alternative medications that do not affect your fitness to work can be prescribed. It is important that if you are prescribed any medication that you report it to your Account Manager. The managers will then report the information to HSE for approval.

• Give the doctor an idea of your normal job duties. Some doctors may not realize the physical nature of working in the Oil & Gas Industry. By communicating your job duties up front, your doctor will be able to make a better determination during treatment.

Return to Work/ Doctors Release

A Doctors Release is required by BOSS anytime you are treated by a physician before you return to work. The release should clearly indicate your diagnosis and the dates of treatment. The release should also include that you are able to return to work Full Duty and with No Restrictions.  The release should be turned in to your Account Manager which will then be forwarded to the HSE Department for review. Depending on the nature of the illness or injury a fit for duty evaluation by an Occupational Physician may be required before the individual is able to return to work. When a fit for duty evaluation is required, the individual will be contacted by BOSS to discuss further details and to schedule the appointment.

Your Health and Safety on the job are top priorities for BOSS. Going into work areas with medications that may alter reaction time or where physical limitations may diminish your capacity to escape to a safe area put you at risk. Please don’t forget to report all illnesses, injuries and medications to your Account Manager.