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3. Advice to the Town Clerk's and Chief Executive's Department
(a) New Staff
All staff appointed to the Council's service complete a medical form giving
details of their medical history. These forms are scrutinised by a medical
officer who decides whether a medical examination will be required.
Finally, a decision is made regarding a person's fitness for employment by
the Council.
Number of medical forms scrutinised in 1971 1,064
Number of medical examinations carried out 282
(b) Existing Staff
Medical advice is requested for various reasons, e.g. infectious illnesses,
prolonged absence from work because of ill health, disabled persons and
employees who have been involved in accidents.
Enquiries, examinations and interviews are carried out as required, and
advice may be given in terms of certain restrictions in duties, unsuitability
for particular types of work, and early retirement due to permanent
unfitness. The Medical Officer of Health advises the Establishment Committee
on all health matters in respect of Council employees.
(c) Regular examination of certain groups of staff
Men working in sewers have regular medical checks because of the special
health hazards involved in their work. They are therefore examined
annually by a medical officer. Heavy goods vehicle drivers require medical
examinations prior to the first issue of their heavy goods vehicle licences
and are also examined on renewal of the licence if they are over 60, or
if they have had periods of sickness.
All drivers employed by the Council are required to be examined by a
medical officer for fitness to drive before employment and later after any
absence from work because of ill-health.
(d) Prevention of Tuberculosis
Certain categories of staff, principally those in regular contact with
children, are required to show evidence of a negative chest X-ray before
entering the Council's service.
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