Why it’s worth paying for a good quality OH report

A common objection to obtaining an occupational health report is that they can be expensive. However, when you consider the potential cost of absence, ongoing poor performance or possible litigation, then, in my opinion, paying for a good quality OH report is a very small price to pay.

A good quality OH report should give you a full explanation of the health condition, and how it is currently, or could continue to affect the individual at work. Advice on the likely progression and prognosis of the condition also helps the manager understand if the effects of the condition are likely to continue to affect the individual long-term (and potentially affect their attendance or performance at work), if it is likely to fully resolve (and likely time frames for that), or if the condition is going to intermittently affect them and lead to intermittent, temporary reduced capacity for work. The report should also provide advice on practical supportive measures an employer could consider to help the employee work to the best of their ability despite the health condition. A helpful report will also provide information and advice to the employee on how they can access appropriate support where necessary and self-help strategies they can try themselves to help manage their health condition more effectively.

This detailed information helps the manager fully understand the condition, whether or not the employee is likely to be classed as disabled, the current situation and the likely future situation so they can be confident in making appropriate business decisions based on sound medical evidence.  This ultimately helps the employer to understand if they have enough resources to be able to continue to support the employee, or if they do not have enough resources and hence may need to consider other employment options for the employee (e.g. redeployment, ill-health retirement, or dismissal on grounds of ill-health).

Working closely with your OH provider is essential to ensure they have enough relevant information and context to the reason for the referral, so that they ensure the OH report covers the key information you need to make appropriate business decisions. Your OH provider should also be able to help you word appropriate questions to be answered as part of the report that will provide you with the information and medical opinion that you require in order to help you make your decisions. If you need any further information about how to get the best out of an OH report, or how to refer to occupational health, please contact us on 07842 245450.