It’s not too late for your flu shot!

It’s not too late! If you have staff needing flu immunisation we have vouchers and a small number of immunisations still available. Your best defence against the flu is to get a yearly flu immunisation. Although having the flu immunisation doesn’t guarantee you won’t catch the flu, it will give you more protection and mean you are less likely to experience complications from a flu infection. Protection against the flu reduces over time. Each year the flu is caused by different strains, which may not be included in the previous year’s vaccine. This is why it is important to have the flu vaccine every year.

Learn more about influenza

If you would like more information, to organise for staff to come in for the immunisation, or order vouchers you can email jabyourcrew@ohwell.co.nz or phone Kylie, our office administrator on 03 377 2661.

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Worksafe Updates

There have been a few recent updates to workplace standards.

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Mens Health Week: 9-15 June

Website menshealthweek.co.nz has lots of great resources including quizzes, resources for education, next steps, contacts to start the conversations around mens health including information on dental health, diabetes, heart & stroke, hearing, eating for your heart, hazardous waist, Māori mens health, mental health, prostate, skin, gout arthritis.

The silent killer – blood pressure
High blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and kidney failure. Finding and treating high blood pressure early helps prevent these problems. Making changes to the way you live, like eating better and exercising, and taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor will help you to control high blood pressure.

Whether or not you have high blood pressure, it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure has no warning signs or symptoms – which is why it is often called a ‘silent killer’. Have your blood pressure check at least once a year by a health provider, or more often if it is high.

Take the What’s Your Score? test to get a gauge on the health routines you already have. Get an intro to vital health issues for guys and things you can do to avoid some basic problems on the men’s health website health information pages.

Learn more by jumping into some health quizzes or podcasts, download useful resources and follow the expert links to go even deeper.

You can manage your health to live longer and better.
We just have to take that first step guys.
Thanks for joining us this Men’s Health Week. We wish you great health!

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OH Well in South Canterbury

We are excited that our OH Well clinic in South Canterbury is running on a Monday from Pleasant Point Medical Centre. Sarah Denton is an experienced Occupational Health Nurse who will be undertaking all occupational health services in South Canterbury. We are committed to providing high quality services to the South Canterbury community to support your workers health and wellbeing needs. We can also travel from our Christchurch clinic to cover Ashburton and Oamaru and everywhere in between for onsite monitoring.

To book pre-employment or annual health monitoring appointments in South Canterbury please contact our office administrator Kylie by phoning 03 377 2661 or by emailing admin@ohwell.co.nz

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New to the OH Well team

New Premises at 5a/303 Blenheim Road

We’re officially settled into our new location at 303 Blenheim Road, Upper Riccarton. The move has allowed us to enhance accessibility and create a welcoming space for our clients. Here’s what the team had to say about the new premises:

“We’re thrilled to be in a space which truly reflects the work of OH Well and allows us to better serve our clients” – OH Well Team.

Welcome our new Business Manager: Bianca

The team are excited to introduce Bianca, our new Business Manager, who is taking over from Ingrid. Bianca is eager to meet our clients and partners and will be making visits at the start of the year. We’re thrilled to have her onboard and look forward to her leadership.

From the 1 of December 2024 Ingrid has cut back her hours to three days a week. Ingrid will be focusing on the delivery of clinical services and further training of staff.

Bianca will now be the first point of contact for clients so if you have any concerns or enquiries, please call the office on 03-377-2661.

Thank you for attending our Welcome Event

A big thank you to everyone who attended our welcome event at the new premises. It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone with you. Here are a couple of snapshots from the day:

Christmas and New Year Message

As we approach the festive season, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support throughout the year. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and relaxation.

Please note our Holiday Shutdown dates

Closing at 12:30 PM on Monday, 23 December 2024

Reopening at 8:00 AM on Monday, 6 January 2025 for appointment bookings and for full services from Wednesday, 8 January 2025.

We look forward to serving you in the new year and continuing our mission to promote workplace health and safety.

Exciting News: We’re Moving to New Premises!

We are thrilled to announce OH Well is relocating to new, larger premises at 303 Blenheim Road, Upper Riccarton. Due to the growth of our business, our current location on Selwyn Street no longer meets our needs. We’ve been working hard to find the perfect space and 303 Blenheim Road will enhance both our services and accessibility for clients.

The new premises will offer a more central location for our clients with improved access and ample space to continue providing our high-quality occupational health services. We anticipate the move will take place in late October. However we’ll keep you updated with more details, including location and parking information, as soon as we have a confirmed moving date.

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OH Well’s Expansion into South Canterbury

In addition to our new Christchurch location, we’re excited to announce our expansion into the South Canterbury region. OH Well now has a dedicated Occupational Health Nurse, Sarah Denton, serving the Timaru area. Sarah brings a wealth of experience and will be delivering our full range of occupational health services. This will include pre-employment medicals and annual health monitoring, all from our new clinic at 59-73 Main Road,Pleasant Point. The clinic will operate on Mondays, and bookings can be made by contacting our Office Administrator, Kylie, at 03 377 2661 or via email at admin@ohwell.co.nz. We are proud to extend our support to the South Canterbury community and look forward to serving their health and wellness needs.

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OH Well and Pegasus Health: A Stronger Partnership

It’s been 9 months since OH Well joined forces with Pegasus Health (Charitable) Limited, a leader in the healthcare community. This partnership has enabled us to enhance our services and better serve our valued clients. With Pegasus Health’s shared commitment to quality care, we’re excited about what the future holds and the opportunities it will bring.

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Welcome to Our New Team Members

We are really happy to introduce  two new staff to the OH Well team:

• Kylie Ackroyd – Office Administrator
• Melissa Rolton – Occupational Health Nurse

Their skills and dedication will bring fresh energy and expertise to our team and we’re confident they’ll contribute significantly to our mission of promoting workplace health and safety.

Thank you for your continued support and loyalty to OH Well. We look forward to this exciting new chapter with Pegasus Health and to continuing to serve you with the highest level of care.

No assessment if:
– Client is awaiting a COVID test result or living in the same household as someone who is
– Client has not signed in/declines to wear a mask if requested (unless exempted) or declines to sign declaration

No assessment if client showing any of the following:
– A fever of at least 38 degrees
– A new or worsening cough
– Sore throat
– Shortness of breath
– Sneezing and runny nose not associated with hay fever
– Temporary loss of taste or smell

GREEN – Cases of COVID-19 but limited community transmission
– Client is required to show vaccination passport
– Client completes declaration and has a temperature check if symptomatic
– Unvaccinated clients – Temperature check, nurse wears N95 mask
– Able to complete all services – PEM & Full AHM
– Client wears a mask
– OHN wears a surgical mask (min)
– 1m distancing or less for minimal periods
– Vaccinated clients continue all services as normal including spirometry/breath alcohol, Fit Testing
– Unvaccinated staff – all services but additional PPE and RAT may be required
– Hand Sanitising
– Wipe down equipment after each client

ORANGE – Increasing Community transmission but health system managing
– Client is required to show vaccination passport
– Client scans in, completes declaration and has a temperature check if symptomatic or at discretion of the OHN
CLINIC
– Vaccinated client – PEM/Asbestos medicals/spirometry/fit testing/random/just cause breath alcohol. OHN wears surgical mask as a minimum
– Unvaccinated client or exemption from wearing a mask must complete a Negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) first if full lung function with spirometry or breath alcohol is required (determined at booking and additional 15 min allowed). No otoscope examination unless warranted
OFFSITE
– Vaccinated Staff – All health monitoring including spirometry/fit testing/breath alcohol (Minimum PPE – surgical mask, viral filter, gloves/hand sanitizing)
– Unvaccinated Staff – No offsite spirometry/fit testing/breath alcohol to be booked into OH Well clinic. Rapid Antigen Test to be completed first and if a pass health monitoring completed at OH Well. No otoscope examination unless warranted (PPE N95, gloves, viral filter, disposable apron)

GENERAL
– Client always wears a face mask unless required to remove for spirometry/breath alcohol, vision (keystones)
– Vaccinated clients: OHN wears a surgical mask as minimum and good hand sanitization/gloves
– Unvaccinated clients: OHN wears a minimum of a N95 & gloves, disposable apron (spirometry)
– Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) – (N95 mask, gloves, visor, and gown required)
– Maintain 2m distancing where practical and 1m distancing or less for minimal periods
– Wipe down of equipment & surfaces after each client

RED – Action needed to protect the health system due to high levels of COVID Cases and the need to protect at risk populations (Changes may occur dependent on OH Well staffing level and changes to MOH / GOVT advice)
– Client is required to show vaccination passport
– Client scans in , completes declaration and has a temperature check
CLINIC
– Pre-employment medicals-vaccination status to be confirmed at booking. If unvaccinated additional PPE- N95, gloves, protocols
-AHM – vaccination status to be confirmed at booking. Vaccinated staff can be seen at the red setting however, if unvaccinated or vaccine status unknown -rebook at orange level
– Asbestos Medicals (high risk workers) -vaccinated staff can be seen and spirometry completed (additional PPE – N95, disposable apron, gloves, protocols). Unvaccinated staff/ vaccination status unknown- wait till orange setting
– Fit Testing – Essential Workers only. Vaccination status to be confirmed at booking. Vaccinated staff only. Unvaccinated staff rebook at orange ( additional PPE – N95, disposable apron, gloves. protocols)
– RAT Testing – additional PPE- N95, gloves, full gown, visor, protocols
OFFSITE
– AHM – all staff can be seen. PPE-N95, gloves (minimum), protocols
– Fit Testing -Essential Workers Only . Vaccination status to be confirmed at booking. Vaccinated staff only. Unvaccinated staff rebook at orange (additional PPE – N95, disposable apron, gloves)
– RAT testing – additional PPE – N95, gloves, full gown, visor, protocols

GENERAL
– Client completes declaration and has a temperature check
– Client wears a surgical mask at all times
– OHN wears a surgical mask and hand sanitising (as a minimum)
– Reduce contact with client to minimum
– 2m distancing where practical and limited 1m distancing
– Vision checks – Charts & confrontational peripheral vision (No Keystones)
– PEM / AHM – No spirometry (only questionnaires and training in regard to respiratory protection)
– Complete assessment of questionnaire, BP, MSK assessment, hearing test but no otoscope examination. No spirometry (except asbestos medicals)
– Drug test but NO breath alcohol
– Wipe down of equipment and surfaces after each client

After a relaxing and restorative break, OH Well is looking forward to 2022 and continuing our strong relationship with all our clients and suppliers. We will continue to work collaboratively to ensure your business receives the ongoing support and quality service required to maintain optimal occupational health and wellness for your staff.

The past two years have required us all to pivot our services and resources quickly and efficiently while responding to the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022 we aim to continue providing our services to all workers while maintaining the health and safety of all. We have reviewed our settings for the different traffic light levels following another risk assessment. Please note that we are now at the RED level of the traffic light system. To find out more about our updated traffic light settings please click the link.

Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) is now available and OH Well is pleased to offer this service. The screening test kits we are utilizing are Panbio^TM COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device (Nasal). These will be used in conjunction with clinical observation (e.g temperature checks) and history taking. OH Well staff who will be undertaking this testing have received the necessary training and certification. Our staff will be wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE) when testing to ensure not only their safety, but to meet strict infection prevention and control measures. For more information about the test kit click this link: PanbioTM COVID-19 Ag (nasal) Brochure

RAT can be used successfully as a screening tool and is more cost effective than PCR testing. Situations where it can be used are:

• As a control measure to minimise the risks associated with asymptomatic, unvaccinated staff working in your workplace
• Testing asymptomatic, unvaccinated staff prior to completing high risk health monitoring or testing e.g., spirometry testing, breath alcohol testing, qualitative/quantitative fit testing 
• Testing asymptomatic staff suspected of recent exposure to COVID-19 

It is important to note that rapid antigen testing is not appropriate in the following circumstances:

• If the employee has flu-like symptoms or symptoms associated with COVID-19
• If the employee is a close or casual contact for COVID-19

Those staff should be directed immediately to a PCR testing site for confirmation of the screening test (Ministry of Health, 2021).

Our Process 

Each employee being tested will need to sign a consent form to undertake the test and allow us to notify the business should they return a positive screening result.  Should this occur, the employee must:

• Self-isolate away from the workplace
• Urgently book a standard COVID-19 PCR test to confirm the result
• Follow all public health measures

If you are interested in enquiring about this service or have any questions, please contact Ingrid at ingrid@ohwell.co.nz 

Qualitative/Quantitative Fit Testing 

Fit testing is a requirement for employees who are required to wear fitted respiratory protection in their roles. This ensures the mask is the correct size and fit for the employee to ensure maximum protection. The testing also allows an opportunity to give the required training to the employee on the importance of being clean shaven and how to complete a mask self-test before entering an area or completing a task where respiratory hazards have been identified. Being clean shaven when using fitted respiratory protection can be a contentious issue with some staff. Ideally this requirement should be outlined in the individual contract and clearly identified as a mandated control measure following a thorough risk assessment aided by an occupational hygienist. We have found that the picture below is an excellent graphic demonstrating why correctly fitted respiratory protection is so important. The size of a single facial hair compared to the size of many respiratory irritant particles illustrates why being clean shaven is so important and necessary. 

It is important that employees are fit tested at employment or commencement of a job where respiratory protection has been mandated to minimise the respiratory risk. They should be re-tested again if there has been a change to facial structure through weight loss/gain/injury. Best practice is to complete fit testing annually (Standard AS/NZS1715:2009).

While respiratory protection is an excellent tool, it should never be the go-to for controlling the respiratory risks to your employee’s health. A reminder that the hierarchy of controls should always be employed, and engineering controls remain the first consideration and most effective control measure.

In this update we’ll cover Influenza Vaccination Season, Drug Testing in the Workplace and Employee Health Monitoring & Wellness.

2021 is upon us, and like many of our clients, it is looking like another year of being flexible in the way we deliver our services.

OH Well has developed excellent protocols to allow us to continue to deliver a safe occupational health and wellbeing service at each COVID Alert Level in line with the quality service we usually provide.

I believe we are unique because we have been providing a local specialist occupational health service to the Canterbury region for over fifteen years.  We are small enough to form an individual personal relationship with our clients, yet large enough to manage the needs of our larger clients and those who have satellite groups located nationally. Our business mantra is that our clients and their employees are at the forefront of all we do, and we are continually looking at ways to improve our services to ensure we are meeting the needs of each individual company.

2021 Influenza Vaccination Season

OH Well will again be delivering influenza vaccinations in 2021.  Each year between 10 & 20% of the New Zealand population will get the flu so it is essential that we are vaccinated to protect not just ourselves, but more importantly the vulnerable people in our whanau and community. This year there are three new strains included in the vaccine.

Our policy of sending two nurses to each site allows the delivery of our influenza vaccinations to be completed in a way that is less disruptive to our clients’ business while ensuring the utmost safety of your employees.

The Ministry of Health has informed us that the influenza vaccination will be rolled out in a way that ensures those more at risk are vaccinated first. Health, or other eligible frontline workers vaccinated from the 21st of April. All other workplaces can be vaccinated after the 28th of April.  We are now taking bookings, and as places book up quickly, we urge you to email jabyourcrew@ohwell.co.nz as soon as possible to book your place and to receive this year’s pricing.

For more information please visit this page on our website or email jabyourcrew@ohwell.co.nz or ring us on 03 3772661.

Drug Testing in the Workplace

OH Well is able to deliver the full range of drug & alcohol testing. There have been some important updates with the release of the AS/NZS 4760:2019 ‘Procedure for specimen collection and the detection and quantification of drugs in oral fluids’ in the latter part of 2020.

This offers more testing method choices, but also raises limitations of both instant oral fluid and urine onsite instant testing that we urge our clients to consider when reviewing their policies. If you wish Ingrid to come out and discuss these with you, please contact her directly at ingrid@ohwell.co.nz  or please read the following information outlining these limitations.

On-site screening drug screen versus Extended Laboratory Testing

On-site screen limited to:

• Amphetamine type substances
  – Amphetamine & methamphetamine (speed. “P”)
• Benzodiazepines
• Cannabis metabolites – cannabis and hashish
• Cocaine metabolites
• Opiates (such as heroin and morphine)
• And additional Oxycodone (Oral fluids only)

Drugs Extended Panel – Able to be tested by Canterbury Health laboratory:

New Psychoactive Substances & Other drugs of abuse:

• Synthetic cannabinoids (kronic)
• Synthetic cathinones (bathsalts)
• NBOME derivatives
• LSD
• GHB & GBL
• Kava
• Other party pills or herbal highs (legal or illegal)
• Other “mind-altering” substances can be added to the testing suite as they become available and are misused.

Synthetic opiates & other abused medications:

• Methadone
• Tramadol
• Oxycodone
• Fentanyl & derivatives
• Ketamine
• Zolpidem & Zopiclone
• Other antidepressant & sedatives

Employee Health Monitoring & Wellness

OH Well strives to continually improve our occupational health and wellbeing services. We offer a full comprehensive range of employee health monitoring. Our experienced, qualified nurses have additional occupational health training and qualifications so that we can advise you of the appropriate health monitoring available, taking into consideration your individual exposure risks.

Completing targeted wellness testing and education is proven to improve employee wellbeing. Low mental health can have an impact on your employee’s overall health.

To better facilitate a smooth and successful transition into your workplace OH Well are now able to add psychological health assessments to our pre-employments. We have also added education on managing low mental health into our current cardiovascular wellness testing booklet. Engagement through wellness testing can reduce absenteeism and increase productivity.

If you wish to learn more about this, please contact admin@ohwell.co.nz or click here.

We have a staged return to our normal health monitoring services as we move through Alert Level 3 to Level 2

Under Alert Level 3 the OH Well office is now re-opening and we are able to recommence some Occupational Health Services from the OH Well clinic. Limited onsite health services are available including our flu vaccination programme. We are operating a Flu voucher system for those that are unable to attend the onsite vaccinations. The vouchers can be redeemed at the OH Well clinic by appointment Monday – Friday (to ensure social distancing) or at participating Unichem and Lifecare pharmacies.

From Level 2 we will be completing all our health monitoring services apart from spirometry testing, at the OH Well clinic and offsite. We have specific procedures to ensure both your employees and our staff’s safety at this time.

Lung Function Testing

Due to Health & Safety concerns Occupational Health Providers have had to change how we complete lung function evaluations. Lung function testing normally includes a spirometry test. We have been notified by the Thoracic Society of Australia / New Zealand that spirometry tests should not be completed in the occupational setting at this time as it increases the risk of the spread of airborne droplets which increases the risk of spread of COVID-19 to our staff and your employees.

We will, however, continue to complete lung function evaluations at this time by completing all the other key components of this testing including:
 Respiratory exposure history
 Current respiratory exposure questionnaire
 Personal respiratory health questionnaire
 Respiratory symptoms and their possible relation to workplace exposures
 Education on the use and care of respiratory protection
 Inspection of personal protection

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic – Alert Level 2-3, we are currently only able to complete qualitative respiratory fit testing for essential or high-risk workers. e.g. health care workers/worker exposed to silica or other respiratory risks. In these cases, we can provide this service at the OH Well clinic where added PPE and safe testing conditions can be guaranteed to protect both our staff and your employees.

Other Services relating to your business under Level 3 COVID-19 preparedness

OH Well is able to assist you with services that may benefit your business on the return to work under COVID-19 Level 3. These include:

Toolbox Hand Hygiene Talks

We often wrongly assume that everyone knows how to wash their hands properly. In this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more important that we and our employees wash and sanitize their hands effectively and in a way that limits any spread of viruses and other contaminants.
Under Alert Level 2, OH Well will be able to deliver short (20min) practical Toolbox talks to your staff. These toolbox talks can be delivered onsite to small groups of between 10 – 12 staff at a time and will reinforce to your staff the importance of good hand hygiene.

If you wish to enquire regarding this service please contact us at admin@ohwell.co.nz

Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) Update 23^rd March 2020 

• OH Well has now moved to Level 3-4 of the national pandemic plan 
• This will result in OH Well ceasing all occupational Health Services until after this level is reduced 

Please refer to the Ministry of Health website for any updates to the COVID-19 situation 

2020 Influenza Season Important Update!

The Ministry of Health as of Friday 20^th March has advised that all non-funded influenza vaccinations were not able to be commenced until Tuesday 14^th April.  

The Ministry of Health has made this decision to ensure that all resources can be used to vaccinate health workers and front-line emergency staff as a priority.

 The announcement today regarding moving from Level 3 to 4 in the next 48 hours means that we are unable to accurately predict when we will be able to resume our influenza vaccination programme.

We will advise you when the situation changes 

OH Well wishes you the best in these difficult times and please do not hesitate to contact me by phone if I can be of any help,

Ingrid Barclay 

OHN/ Director 

OHWELL

Welcome to our 2nd Newsletter of 2020
 

Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) Update 23^rd March 2020 

• OH Well has now moved to Level 3-4 of the national pandemic plan 
• This will result in OH Well ceasing all occupational Health Services until after this level is reduced 

Please refer to the Ministry of Health website for any updates to the COVID-19 situation

2020 Influenza Season Important Update!

The Ministry of Health as of Friday 20^th March has advised that all non-funded influenza vaccinations were not able to be commenced until Tuesday 14^th April.  

The Ministry of Health has made this decision to ensure that all resources can be used to vaccinate health workers and front-line emergency staff as a priority.

 The announcement today regarding moving from Level 3 to 4 in the next 48 hours means that we are unable to accurately predict when we will be able to resume our influenza vaccination programme.

We will advise you when the situation changes 

OH Well wishes you the best in these difficult times and please do not hesitate to contact me by phone if I can be of any help,

Ingrid Barclay 

OHN/ Director 

OHWELL

Working with you
… to fight the flu

Influenza is more than just a ‘bad cold’. It is a highly infectious virus that can spread quickly through your workforce. Contact with the influenza virus is almost unavoidable, but by protecting your workplace you are also helping stop the spread of influenza to the vulnerable people in the wider community like pregnant woman, people with chronic conditions, the very young and elderly.

To maintain the most effective protection against influenza, annual immunisation is required. The flu virus can change yearly, and new strains can emerge to which people are not immune. It takes around two weeks to develop immunity once vaccinated. This is an inactive vaccine so you will not “catch the flu” by being vaccinated.

We anticipate our flu vaccination programme commencing in April 2021. It is recommended that your vaccination programme commences as soon as possible, to ensure your staff are protected before the flu season arrives. Our team of experienced registered nurses are authorised to give the vaccine by the Medical Officer of Health.

We offer a convenient onsite service therefore reducing down time for your company. A flu voucher option will also be available for staff who are unable to make an appointment due to illness or annual leave. These vouchers can be redeemed at any participating Unichem or Life Pharmacy in the Christchurch area as well as in one of OH Well drop in clinics.

This year, the Ministry of Health is offering the Quadrivalent (four strain) vaccine. The Quadrivalent vaccine contains:

• A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus
• A/Hong Kong/2671/2019 (H3N2)-like virus
• B/Washington/02/2019-like virus
• B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus

To ensure the safety of your staff OH Well uses 2 registered nurses when carrying out vaccinations.

To book dates on our vaccination calendar, please call us on 03 377 2661 or email us.