Sick Leave and Medical diagnosis

ethical

Can a Principal ' threaten' to refer a teacher to get medical diagnosis?

Millem

ethical wrote: »

Can a Principal ' threaten' to refer a teacher to get medical diagnosis?

If you miss something like 28 days you get sent to medmark who assess you.

evolving_doors

Suppose it would have to be a medical judgement whether or not a person needs a medical diagnosis so on that basis they wouldn't be qualified to say you need medical assitance (unless you had a compass stuck in your hand or something!).

I suppose if it affected your work and it came under the teaching council's code of conduct rules then maybe that's the 'threat' there to refer to!

byhookorbycrook

https://www.medmark4teachers.ie/teachersna/role-responsibility.asp

The Employers Role
Occupational health & safety responsibilities



Definition
Employer – the term “employer” means an Education and Training (ETB) for vocational schools/community colleges and a Board of Management/Manager in the case of primary, voluntary secondary, community and comprehensive shcools. THe ETB or Board of Management/Manager may deligate as appropriate responsibility for matters set out in Circular 0059/2014 & Circular 0060/2014.

As an employer it is essential that you understand what your role is and your responsibilities for occupational health and safety issues in the school environment. This information is laid out clearly in the ‘occupational health advice on medical fitness for employment’ guide which you should have already received.

In short, it is essential to ensure:
1.Teachers and SNA’s are medically fit to carry out their duties.
2.That they remain capable and medically fit.
3.That the health, safety and well-being of staff and students are safeguarded.
4.That your school complies with all legislative requirements including health & safety and disability discrimination legislation.
5.That a consistent quality and standard of education is delivered to all those for whom there is a responsibility in so far as medical fitness.

As part of satisfying these requirements you as an employer should seek specialist advice from us on the medical fitness for employment of all teaching & SNA staff who you intend to employ.

This includes:
1.Seeking advice from us in relation to those who have suffered significant illness or injury to ensure that they are medically fit to return to their duties.
2.Identifying concerns regarding an individual’s apparent lack of medical fitness resulting in performance issues at an early stage, investigate fully and speedily, seek appropriate advice including occupational health advice and determine necessary actions to be taken.
3.Inform employees of arrangements for occupational health advice.
4.Ensure that employees are aware of their responsibility for the health and safety of students.

byhookorbycrook

And "Non Discretionary referral of staff member who has 4 weeks (28 days) continuous or cumulative sick leave in a 12 month rolling period, or, Discretionary referral of staff member whom the employer has concerns relating to his/her medical fitness, or other referrals including Health & Safety leave and discounting requests"