What is an Occupational Health Assessment?

An occupational health (OH) assessment or management referral is a comprehensive medical evaluation conducted by a qualified occupational health professional such as an occupational health adviser (OHA) or an occupational health physician (OHP).  

An occupational health assessment is used to assess an employee’s physical and mental health in relation to their job. This service helps to support employees in managing their health when at work.  

When is an OH assessment needed?

An occupational health (OH) assessment is needed when there are concerns about how an employee’s physical or mental health affects their ability to do their job, or when workplace risks may be impacting an employee’s health. ​

Common Triggers for OH Assessment

• Long-term sickness absence (usually continuous absence of four weeks or more).​

• Frequent short-term absences (e.g., numerous sick days over a rolling period).​

• Return to work after illness or injury, including planned absences like surgery.​

• Evidence of deteriorating work performance or behaviour believed to be health-related.​

• Concerns about workplace stress, mental health challenges, or health risks from the job.​

• The need to consider or review reasonable adjustments to support an employee with a disability.​

• A requirement for statutory health surveillance in roles exposed to specific risks (such as hazardous substances, noise, vibration, asbestos).

Legal and policy considerations

• UK employers are legally obliged under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect employees’ health and safety, including mental health, which may require OH assessments in specific circumstances.​

• Assessments may be necessary for where adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 may be needed to avoid discrimination for disabled employees.​

• OH assessments support compliance, help managers make informed decisions, and reduce risks associated with absence, illness, and claims of unfair or discriminatory treatment.

Benefits for employers and employees​

• Informed guidance and clarity on fitness for work, rehabilitation, and possible workplace adjustments.​
• Supports employee wellbeing, performance, and engagement while meeting employer duties of care.​
• Reduces workplace risks and the costs of absenteeism while ensuring fair management of absences. 

What are the benefits of an OH assessment?

When employers support their staff to continue working when their health changes, this helps to engage employees and avoids costly retention and recruitment fees. An occupational health assessment can also help to ensure that employees are fit for their roles and that the work environment does not negatively impact their health. These assessments offer several benefits for both employers and employees:

• Early identification of health risks
• Prevention of work-related illnesses and injuries
• Support for employees returning to work after sickness absence
• Improved workplace safety and productivity
• Compliance with health and safety regulations.

How are OH assessments completed?

Occupational health assessments can take various forms, depending on the specific needs of the employee and employer:

• Pre-employment health screenings
• Fitness for work evaluations
• Return to work assessments
• Health surveillance for specific job roles
• Sickness absence management

What does the process involve?

During an occupational health assessment the occupational health practitioner (OHA or OHP) will typically:

• Review the employee’s medical history
• Discuss current health conditions and treatments
• Evaluate the physical and mental demands of the job
• Assess the impact of the work environment on the employee’s health
• Provide recommendations for workplace adjustments or accommodations

Do OH assessments help employees and their employers much?

Occupational health assessments play a crucial role in supporting employees returning to work after a period of sickness absence.

These assessments help determine:

• The employee’s readiness to return to work
• Any necessary workplace adjustments
• The potential need for a phased return to work
• Ongoing support requirements

Occupational health assessments now often include discussions around the impact of:

• Work-related stress
• Anxiety and depression
• Burnout
• Work-life balance

Occupational health assessments help the employer to comply with relevant legislation, including:

• Health and Safety at Work Act
• Equality Act 2010
• Data Protection Act

How does an employer begin to implement OH assessments to support employee wellbeing?

For organisations considering implementing occupational health services, it’s a good idea to:

1. Develop a clear occupational health policy
2. Choose qualified occupational health professionals
3. Establish clear communication channels between HR, managers, and occupational health providers
4. Regularly review and update occupational health procedures.

Occupational health assessments are an essential tool for maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. By addressing both physical and mental health concerns, these assessments help to create a safer work environment, reduce sickness absence, and support employees with health conditions. When implemented effectively, occupational health services benefit both employers and employees, fostering a culture of wellbeing and safety in the workplace.

As work environments and health challenges continue to evolve, occupational health assessments will remain a critical component of modern workplace health and safety strategies. By prioritising employee health and wellbeing, organisations can create more resilient, engaged, and productive workforces, better equipped to face the challenges of today’s dynamic business landscape.

If you are in a position to make a referral for advice for your employee, our management referral form will gather the information required to access the support you need.