What is an Occupational Health Assessment?
An occupational health 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 an employee is able to manage their health alongside work, this helps to improve performance and attendance and has a number of financial benefits for the employer. 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
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
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
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
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on mental health in the workplace. 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
For organisations considering implementing occupational health services, it’s a good idea to:
- Develop a clear occupational health policy
- Choose qualified occupational health professionals
- Establish clear communication channels between HR, managers, and occupational health providers
- 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.
