What is an Occupational Health Assessment?
An Occupational Health Assessment, conducted by an Occupational Health Physician, evaluates an employee’s health in relation to their role. It helps employers identify health concerns and recommends workplace adjustments to ensure safety and well-being. The goal is to provide clear, professional recommendations to HR or line managers on how to support the employee effectively.
The assessment is completed over the phone or in person with an occupational health clinician (Doctor or Nurse), it is crucial for both employers and employees.
As part of this process, the referring contact should maintain internal communication with the employee to ensure that the process is transparent and that they understand why the reference is being made. This can be made using an Occupational Health Assessment Letter:
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Free OH Needs AssessmentWhat is a Occupational Health Assessment Letter?
An occupational health assessment letter is essential for facilitating clear communication between employers and employees about health issues in the workplace. It provides both parties with a clear understanding of the referral process and the reasons behind it, using empathetic and concise language.
Take a look at our example Occupational Health Assessment Employee Referral Cover Letter to help with this communication.
For Employers:
- Informed Decision-Making: Provides expert advice on managing employees’ health in relation to work.
- Legal Compliance: Ensures workplace practices meet health and safety regulations.
- Reduced Absenteeism: Proactive health management reduces sickness-related absences.
- Increased Productivity: Addresses health issues that impact performance.
- Supportive Culture: Shows concern for employee health, boosting morale and satisfaction.
For Employees:
- Health Management: Offers a chance to discuss health concerns with a professional.
- Workplace Adjustments: Leads to necessary job modifications for better health.
- Impartial Advice: Provides unbiased health assessments and recommendations.
- Well-being: Contributes to overall health and work-life balance.
- Safety and Prevention: Identifies hazards and implements preventive measures.
What services do we offer in response to an assessment?
- Pre-Employment Health Assessments: Ensure New Hires are Fit for the Job
- Periodic Health Surveillance: Regular Check-ups to Monitor Employee Health
- Sickness Absence Management: Effective Strategies to Manage and Reduce Absenteeism
- Return to Work Assessments: Smooth Transitions Back to Work After Illness or Injury
- Fitness for Work Assessments: Evaluations to Ensure Employees Can Safely Perform Their Duties
- Health and Well-being Programmes: Initiatives to Promote Overall Employee Health
If you require more information, take a look below are some frequently asked questions about Occupational Health and Occupational Health Assessments.
FAQs
Let them know what the process will involve, reassure them that it’s routine, and offer to answer any questions they may have. We have a guide that will help you: Occupational Health Assessment – Letter to Employee
Employers might seek occupational health support to assist employees facing physical or mental health challenges, to make appropriate adjustments for disabled staff, or to manage long-term sickness absence and ease the transition back to work.
If an occupational health assessment concludes that an employee is “not fit for work,” it indicates that a specific health condition may limit their ability to perform job responsibilities safely or effectively.
Minimising symptoms or worries should be avoided, as this could impede the need for treatments. Even if you believe you can get by without the modifications suggested by occupational health specialists, be open to them.
