Exposure surveys will be electronic from the beginning of 2023
Health examinations for employees exposed to factors causing a special risk of illness in their work monitor the health effects of work on the employee. In the examinations we utilize symptom questionnaires based on exposures, on the basis of which the need for follow-up measures is also assessed. At Terveystalo, the exposure surveys can now be found in an electronic format, which enables the efficiency of operations both of the quality and effectiveness of treatment. Surveys in electronic form will be introduced to our customer companies from the beginning of 2023.
Within Terveystalo's occupational health customer companies there are approx. 450,000 individuals who are exposed to factors causing a special risk of illness in their work. Exposed work tasks are accompanied by a legal obligation to monitor the health effects of the work with the help of health inspections and prevent the employee from falling ill as a result of the exposure or other risk of illness occurring at work. According to the recommendations, symptom questionnaires based on exposures should be used in exposure inspections, on the basis of which the need for follow-up measures is also assessed.
From traditional paper based surveys to electronic exposure surveys
At Terveystalo, exposure surveys have previously been carried out on paper. Now the paper exposure questionnaires have been transferred to an electronic format, which enables operational efficiency both from the point of view of treatment quality and effectiveness. Based on the surveys in electronic form, we are also able to collect data to be reported to companies about the results of the exposure surveys and the effectiveness of the treatment.
Piloting of electronic exposure surveys has been implemented since spring. Now the introduction has progressed to the stage where electronic exposure surveys can be introduced in all companies from the beginning of 2023. There are versions of all surveys in Finnish, Swedish and English. The exposure survey can be activated for the employee in connection with the health inspection invitation or as a separate survey.
We recommend the introduction of electronic exposure questionnaires in all exposure-oriented health inspections. However, paper surveys will continue to be an option if the introduction of electronic surveys is not possible for some reason.
Implementation requires up-to-date employee information
Exposure questionnaires are sent to employees electronically and can be answered from Terveystalo's mobile application and by logging in to Terveystalo's website. Logging in opens a secure connection and thus needs to be done by identifying oneself with bank identifiers or a mobile certificate. In order for exposure surveys to be carried out electronically, it is important that the e-mail addresses of your employees are correct and marked for all employees.
Your company's designated occupational health nurse will still be in contact with you before the introduction of electronic exposure reports. You will also receive a ready-made information letter that you can use to inform your employees about electronic exposure surveys.
If you have any questions related to the topic, you can contact your company's designated occupational health nurse.
