Reduce Absence, Reduce Cost

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Reduce Absence, Reduce Cost
Sandra Neylon Neylon Occupational Health Ltd In
partnership with Tate Lyle London Welfare to
Work Convention, 3rd February 2009
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Tate Lyle Thames Refineryone of the largest
sugar refineries in the world
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Tate Lyle Sugars- some facts

• Refinery operations started by Henry Tate on the
  site in 1878 we are celebrating our 130th
  birthday in 2008
• Output 1.1 mt sugar per year
• Around 850 direct employees in UK
• Plus 250 on-site contractors in London
• Direct employment in cane overseas conservatively
  300,000
• Largest private sector employer in Newham
• Community support programme

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Introduction

• Safety is our No. 1 priority
• TL follow best practice
• Holistic approach to Occupational Health
• Keeping employees safe safe working practices,
  safe working environment
• It provides vocational rehabilitation as an
  alternative to sickness absence

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Managing Sickness Absence

• The Business Case for Vocational Rehabilitation
• 1 sickness absence costs TL in excess of
  400,000 per annum
• A days sickness absence costs 300 plus cover
• Adversely affects productivity
• Poor morale

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Rehabilitation Case Management

• Proactive rehabilitation programme agreed with
  employee
• Round Table Approach - By working with the
  employee, the manager, the GP/Consultant (if
  necessary) and the human resources team, a care
  pathway can be mapped out by Occupational Health
  to ensure that employees are returned to health,
  work and efficiency at the earliest date
• Reduced hours amended shifts reduced or
  alternative duties transportation

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What is a sick certificate?

• Issued by a GP or hospital for sick payment
  purposes only
• An advisory note based on fitness for full role
• Research proves that GPs are despondent
• OH works closely with GPs
• Employee education about sickness, sick
  certificates and rehabilitation effective
  communication is a must!

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Evidence of Effectiveness

• Use of Rehabilitation programmes increased
• Sickness absence, particularly long-term
  reduced by 64 since 2000
• A reduction in the number of employees leaving
  under Ill Health Early Retirement by 75
  comparing the years 2001 and 2007
• Workplace injuries reduced (backs by 50)
• Use of physiotherapy reduced by 50 since 2002
  more time now spent on education
• Employee comments verbally and email useful
  feedback
• Range of service provision increased uptake
• Employee Opinion Surveys satisfaction
  increasing

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• Questions?