Public Service Occupational Health Program
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About
The Treasury Board's Policy on People Management and the Directive on Occupational Health Evaluations, identify Health Canada's Public Service Occupational Health Program (PSOHP) as responsible for providing occupational health services to Core Public Administration organizations listed under Schedules I and IV of the Financial Administration Act.
PSOHP supports Deputy Heads in meeting their Canada Labour Code requirement to protect employee health and safety at work.
Services
Occupational Health Evaluation
PSOHP's conducts occupational health evaluations (OHEs) for federal candidates and employees, typically for positions that have inherent risks to health OHEs are conducted:
- as part of staffing front-line positions or sending public servants (and their dependants) to domestic or overseas posts
- periodically to help ensure employees in high-risk, safety-sensitive positions can perform their duties without risking their own health and that of others
Once client organizations (i.e. departments and agencies) have established critical tasks, PSOHP establishes occupational health requirements for specific occupational groups and positions. These requirements are established in consultation with organizations and signed off by their respective Senior Management.
Immunization and Screening for Communicable Disease
PSOHP provides immunization and communicable disease screening services as part of Occupational Health Evaluations (OHEs). These services include guidance on disease prevention and, where appropriate and with the individual's consent, work-related immunizations and screening for communicable diseases associated with occupational or workplace exposure risks.
Occupational Health and Hygiene Guidance
PSOHP provides occupational health and hygiene consultation and guidance to management and corporate occupational health and safety teams in Core Public Administration organizations. PSOHP's occupational health and hygiene guidance is also leveraged to maintain and develop the Occupational Health Evaluation Guide (OHEG).
Upon request, PSOHP provides subject-matter expertise to organizations on emerging occupational health issues and workplace health risks.
Superannuation
The Government of Canada Pension Centre is the lead and primary contact for Superannuation including Retirement on Medical Grounds (ROMG) and Service Buybacks (SBB). For any questions related to these two service lines, please contact the Pension Centre.
In the context of Superannuation PSOHP's role is limited to reviewing the medical documentation provided by applicants and making a recommendation to the Government of Canada Pension Centre regarding whether the medical criteria for a ROMG or SBB have been met. It does not make the final decision on ROMG or SBB.
PSOHP delivers these services to client organizations in accordance with the Public Service Superannuation Act, the Public Service Superannuation Regulations, and related Government of Canada policies and procedures.
Employees who are considering applying for a ROMG or SBB should contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre as their first step. The Pension Centre administers the application process and can provide the required forms, application instructions, and information about the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. The Pension Centre can also answer questions about the administrative aspects of the process.
Please visit the Government of Canada Pension Centre webpage including the Completing and Forwarding the Medical Forms page for instructions on how to submit medical documentation to PSOHP.
What we do not provide
The client organization retains responsibility for Occupational Health leadership, whereas PSOHP provides the occupational health services outlined above.
Accordingly, PSOHP does not determine whether an employee or candidate can be accommodated, hired, retained in a position, or assigned specific duties.
PSOHP does not conduct fitness-to-work evaluations as part of the disability management processes.
PSOHP does not provide occupational health surveillance testing (e.g., audiometry test) as part of a department's hazard prevention program.
PSOHP does not provide onsite emergency response services for occupational health incidents, accidents, or hazardous exposures. It does not conduct post-exposure medical examinations, provide treatment, or manage employee medical care following workplace incidents.
Requesting our services
PSOHP services can be requested by managers and Occupational Health and Safety Coordinators representing eligible Core Public Administration organizations. Employees and candidates are encouraged to contact their manager as a first step. PSOHP does not accept direct service requests from individual employees or candidates.
These services are delivered nationwide by occupational health professionals:
- physicians
- nurse practitioners
- nurses
- Occupational hygienists
- administrative personnel
Contact us
Public Service Occupational Health Program
Email: psohp-pstfp@hc-sc.gc.ca
Resources
PSOHP's GCXchange site (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)