Why do employers send staff to occupational health?

The main reason for referring an employee to occupational health is to help a manager resolve a situation where an employee’s health might be affecting their fitness to carry out their job, or their job may be adversely affecting their health in some way.

What does occupational health do for employees?

Occupational health teams keep people well at work – physically and mentally. Occupational health services will help keep your employees healthy and safe whilst in work and manage any risks in the workplace that are likely to give rise to work-related ill health.

What is an occupational health visit?

An Occupational Health Assessment is a medical examination performed by an Occupational Health Physician. Its main aim is to advise employers on the employee’s health and make recommendations on what adjustments could be considered to ensure a safe/healthy working environment for that employee.

For what reasons might you decide to visit your occupational health Advisor?

When to refer

• There is concern that they may have work related health problems or that their health is being aggravated by work tasks.
• There are difficulties coping on return after being absent – following a serious illness or injury or due to a disability.

Do employers have to follow occupational health recommendations?

No. Employers must not ask about health and sickness when deciding who to recruit – but they are allowed to ask questions in order to: Establish whether you are able to undergo an assessment, and if you are not, to decide what reasonable adjustments they can make to ensure that the recruitment process is fair.

Can occupational health overrule your doctor?

The Government has indicated that employers may, in principle, be able to overrule a GP’s advice in a fit note as to whether or not a person is potentially fit to return to work.

Can u be sacked for being off sick?

You can still be dismissed if you are off sick. Your employer would normally be expected to allow a reasonable amount of time for you to recover from your illness.

When should my employer refer me to occupational health?

When an employee is off sick for a long time or is returning from sickness absence, their employer might want to get occupational health advice. When occupational health can be used

• feel better.
• return to work.
• do their job.
• address any problems that could cause further health or absence issues.

What can I expect from an occupational health assessment?

The occupational health report should include the reason for referral; relevant medical history and response to treatment/interventions; likely timescales for recovery; advice on specialist referrals; likely impact of condition on work in the short and long-term; recommendations and adjustments; likely return to work

What power does occupational health have?

Key facts. Occupational health services can have a major effect in preventing ill health through work and in ensuring employees are able to return to work as early as possible after a period of sickness. You have the right to work in a safe, healthy atmosphere.

How long do occupational health checks take?

Occupational health assessment: What to expect An initial conversation with a consultant can take up to 45 minutes. At this point, they’ll collect all the relevant information needed to give an informed opinion. There’ll also be a review at the end of the initial consultation that’ll need an extra 30 minutes.

Do occupational health ask for medical records?

Occupational health may wish to obtain further clinical information in accordance with the Access to Medical Reports Act 1988. Your occupational health advisor must obtain your consent before they request a medical report. Who can see my occupational health records?

Can your employer refer you to occupational health without your consent?

Informed consent & confidentiality When you seek the advice of an occupational health clinician, you’re required to submit a management referral. Before you make the referral, however, you first need the employee’s permission. Best practice is to have an employee’s signed consent.

Can my employer force me to see occupational health?

If health surveillance is required it is perfectly reasonable for the employer to make attendance a condition of service. Refusal to attend an Occupational Health Referral Appointment. They may be referred to see if unhelpful behaviours are caused by ill-health.

Can my employer make me see occupational health?

Of course, an employee always has the right to refuse to attend an occupational health assessment or other health meeting. Employers should always do their best to gently encourage their employees to attend any recommended health meeting, but to remember that a staff member does have the right to refuse.