Equality Act 2010: knowledge, perceptions and practices of occupational physicians.
BACKGROUND
Historically, many prospective employees in Great Britain have undergone pre-employment health screening (PEHS) assessments before a job offer. Section 60 of the Equality Act 2010 stipulates that PEHS assessments before a job offer may contravene the disability provisions of the Act except under specific circumstances. PEHS assessments in the current format may not fully comply with the provisions of the legislation.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the knowledge, perceptions and practices of occupational health physicians in UK following implementation of the Equality Act 2010.


METHODS
Data were collected through an anonymous online survey of occupational health physicians (OHPs) actively reporting to the Occupational Physicians Reporting Activity (OPRA) at the Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, the University of Manchester.


RESULTS
There were 126 responses available for analysis (response rate 43%). Most participants (81%) were accredited occupational health specialists providing occupational health advice to various industry sectors; 96% reported involvement in PEHS assessments; 81% reported awareness of section 60 of the Equality Act 2010. Further analysis of these participants revealed varying knowledge levels and practices relating to specific requirements of section 60. Changes in professional practice resulting from the Act were reported by 38%, while 46% reported no change.


CONCLUSIONS
There have been minimal immediate changes to PEHS practices by OHPs in response to section 60 of the Act. Some OHPs displayed inadequate knowledge of specific requirements of section 60 of the Act. OHPs could benefit from further training on specific requirements of this legislation.
Public Health Medicine Unit, School of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana. tiny.masupe@mopipi.ub.bw
T
T
Masupe
G
G
Parker
D000328:Adult; D004651:Employment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D009787:Occupational Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom