As an employer, you are required to provide a healthy and safe work environment for your employees. What is your organization required to do? And what would be wise for you to offer?
More and more companies are recognizing the importance of a sustainable workforce. One reason for this is that it is difficult to find and retain good employees. In todayโs world, where speed and change are key pillars, loyalty is falling further and further behind. While investing in health was seen as a valuable bonus a few years ago, it is now essential. But what are you obligated to provide as an organization? And what would be wise for you to offer?
What are my obligations?
There is a wealth of information available online about PMOs and PAGOs. The Working Conditions Act (Article 18) states the following regarding a PAGO: โThe employer shall periodically provide employees with the opportunity to undergo an examination aimed at preventing or limiting, as much as possible, the risks that work poses to the health of employees.โ The content of the PAGO must therefore be appropriate to the situation within a specific job role. The risks in the workplace are identified in a RI&E. Based on this RI&E, a company physician may want to see certain components included in a PAGO.ย You are required to offer these specific components to your employees. Examples include a hearing test when employees work in a noisy environment. In addition, certain examinations may be mandatory under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). A PMO, on the other hand, can be broader in scope, including, for example, assessments of lifestyle and vitality; there are no legal obligations associated with these.
How often should I offer a PAGO or PMO?
The frequency of a PAGO is not centrally determined, but can be established, for example, through a collective bargaining agreement or in consultation with a works council. Since a PMO does not contain any mandatory components, the frequency at which it is offered is entirely up to the organization. PDG Health Services recommends conducting a PMO approximately every two or three years.
So what now?
If you are planning to organize a PAGO or PMO within your organization, it is first and foremost important to have your RI&E analyzed by a company physician. They will advise you on which tests you should offer. Based on this advice, you can choose to offer only these specific tests (PAGO), or to use this opportunity to promote the health and well-being of your employees by offering a PMO. A PMO may therefore include mandatory screenings, but this is not required. A PAGO, on the other hand, consists solely of screenings that are required by law.
Would you like more information about the PAGO or PMO?
Would you like to learn more about the PAGO or PMO? Feel free to contact us. Weโd be happy to discuss the options with you.
