GBS Automation has launched occupational health services for its 25 employees in order to support their health and wellbeing.
The firm specialises in the design and manufacture of industrial automation equipment for the fast-moving consumer goods industry, including baking equipment. As its employees are exposed to fabrication processes, chemicals and activities that need to be monitored, GBS Automation has appointed Premier OH to provide health surveillance, including skin assessments and lung function, and to ensure they are operating in a safe environment.
Through the service, employees can access occupational health to support them with any issue potentially undermining their health, such as expert advice from a clinician on how to manage their condition to stay in work if they have a joint or muscle issue. Other occupational health services available to them include employee health screening, fitness for work medicals, vaccinations, ill-health retirement, absence management, physiotherapy, and neurodiversity advice, guidance, training and equipment.
The firm’s workforce can also access an employee assistance programme (EAP) that offers 24-hour access to trained specialists to support staff with mental health issues and concerns over financial, physical health and personal matters. The EAP provides support to manage any feelings of low mood or anxiety, and provides line managers with a report on how best to help individuals if they are struggling with an emotional issue.
Jane Woodcock, finance director at GBS Automation, said: “Our goal is to protect and look after our employees, because without them we wouldn’t have a business. The small business solution provided by Premier OH is enabling us to create a safer working environment for our employees and to resolve absence as quickly as possible. Although there is an upfront cost to provide that support, we firmly believe that giving employees access to occupational health services will pay for itself in the long run.”