How to write up the Workplace Visit of the DOccMed portfolio
This guide breaks down how to approach the DOccMed viva workplace visit using a clear, examiner-focused structure aligned with the expectations of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine. It covers how to choose an appropriate site, systematically describe the workplace, identify hazards, perform a structured risk assessment, and recommend practical control measures.
DOccMed Viva: Workplace Visit – How to Structure Your Portfolio
The workplace visit component of the DOccMed viva assesses your ability to observe, analyse, and advise on occupational risks in a real-world setting.
Marks are awarded for a structured, systematic approach, not just describing what you saw and what you did.
Choosing a Suitable Workplace for Your Site Visit
Selecting the right workplace is crucial. You need a setting that allows you to demonstrate:
- Multiple hazard types - aim for 5-7 hazards
- Clear work processes
- Opportunities for risk assessment and control
High-Yield Workplace Options
Good examples include:
- Manufacturing workshops (metal, wood, fabrication)
- Construction sites
- Warehouses and logistics centres
- Laboratories
- Food production facilities/kitchens
- Barbers/hairdressers
- Mechanics
What Makes a Workplace “Good” for the Viva?
A strong site will include:
- Multiple hazards (not just one type)
- Clear processes you can describe
- Visible control measures (or lack of them)
- Opportunities to discuss legislation and health surveillance
Avoid:
- Offices with minimal hazards
- Environments with very limited access or observation
- Sites where you cannot clearly describe processes
- Healthcare environments e.g., GP surgeries, wards
Brief Structured Workplace Visit Write-Up Example
1. Description of Site and Work Process (3 marks)
A medium-sized metal fabrication workshop located in an industrial estate.
The site employs approximately 40 workers, including machine operators, welders, and supervisors.
Processes observed include:
- Cutting and shaping metal components
- Welding and assembly
- Manual handling of raw materials
The working environment is noisy, with visible dust and fumes in certain areas. Ventilation appears variable.
Employees work 8-hour shifts, with some overtime. PPE such as gloves and hearing protection is available but inconsistently used.
What Examiners Want
- Clear, concise overview
- Demonstration you understand the workflow
- Awareness of workforce and environment
2. Hazards Identified During Walk-Through (6 marks)
Organise hazards systematically:
Physical Hazards
- High noise levels → risk of noise-induced hearing loss
- Hand arm vibration→ risk of HAVS/CTS
Chemical Hazards
- Metal fumes from welding → risk of metal fume fever
- Dust exposure → chronic lung conditions
Ergonomic Hazards
- Manual handling of heavy materials → musculoskeletal disorders
Biological Hazards
- Minimal in this setting.
Psychological Hazards
- Production pressure and shift work → stress and fatigue
What Examiners Want
- Logical classification
- Link hazards to specific health effects
- Awareness of who is exposed
3. Risk Assessment (8 marks)
Use the 5 steps of risk assessment:
Step 1: Identify Hazards
Noise, dust, fumes, manual handling, machinery. Method included workplace inspection, speaking to employees and reviewing relevant documentation.
Step 2: Decide Who May Be Harmed
Machine operators, welders, maintenance staff
Step 3: Evaluate Risks
-
Noise exposure likely above safe levels
-
Dust/fume exposure potentially harmful
-
Manual handling risk moderate to high
-
You may consider using a 3x3 risk matrix table to determine the likelihood of hazard occuring and the severity thus evaluating the risk. You then may go on to discuss the existing control measures and how further controls can reduce the risk.
Step 4: Record Findings
- Controls present but inconsistent
- PPE not reliably used
- Ventilation insufficient
- These examples above can be recorded on a risk assessment template
Step 5: Review and Update
- Recommend periodic review
- Monitor effectiveness of controls
- Consider regular safety audits
What Examiners Want
- Structured use of the 5-step model
- Thorough evaluation and prioritisation of risks
- Realistic judgement of severity and likelihood
4. Further Investigations / Measurements / Health Surveillance (6 marks)
Environmental and Hygiene Measurements
- Noise levels (dB)
- Airborne dust and fume concentrations
- Ventilation effectiveness
Interpretation:
- Noise >85 dB → requires hearing protection programme
- Dust above workplace exposure limits → requires improved controls
Health Surveillance
- Audiometry for noise exposure
- Lung function testing for dust/fume exposure
- Skin surveillance if relevant
Legislation
Relevant UK legislation includes:
- Health and Safety at Work Act
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
- Control of Vibrations at Work Regulations
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations
Additional Control Measures
Using hierarchy of control:
- Reduce noise at source
- Improve local exhaust ventilation
- Introduce mechanical handling aids
- Reinforce PPE compliance
What Examiners Want
- Awareness of measurement techniques
- Ability to interpret results
- Linking findings to practical recommendations
5. Conclusions (2 marks)
A strong conclusion should summarise:
- Key risks identified
- Adequacy of current controls
- Priority recommendations
Communication Strategy
You should explain how you would communicate findings:
- Verbal feedback to managers
- Written report with recommendations
- Clear, simple communication to workers
- Follow-up plan to review improvements
Common Viva Pitfalls
Simply listing hazards without assessing risk will lose marks.
Marks are awarded for structured answers aligned to the marking scheme.
Advice must be practical and prioritised.
Final Tip
Anticipate the hazards you will come across and bring a checklist of what to look for and what questions to ask.
Follow the "Walk-Through": Start from the beginning of the process (e.g., raw materials arriving) and follow the work flow through to the end (finished products/output).
Use the Hierarchy of Controls: Evaluate how the employer controls risks, looking for evidence of elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Speak to workers and managers: Ask about tasks, concerns, and recent health issues related to work.
Related topics: DOccMed viva | DOccMed workplace visit | occupational medicine viva | FOM DOccMed exam | workplace risk assessment | occupational health assessment | site visit occupational medicine
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