What is Occupational Health?

Occupational health is concerned with the impact of work on health and health on work.

We provide your managers with advice on how to prevent work activities from adversely affecting an individual’s health; for example reducing the risk of someone working with hazardous chemicals from developing asthma or skin sensitisation, or someone lifting heavy items repetitively from developing back pain.

individual’s medical fitness

We also advise on an individual’s medical fitness to undertake their normal work activities taking into account any health conditions they may have. For example, an individual with epilepsy who may be expected to work at heights, or an individual with depression working in a highly pressurised environment.

Advice would include the likely short and long-term impact of the health condition on the individual’s ability to undertake their normal duties and any temporary or permanent adjustments that could be made to their role.

Research shows that generally being at work is good for the physical and mental health of the population. An individual may still be able to undertake some meaningful work even though they are not 100% fit. We work with you to identify appropriate adjustments you can make to the work environment and tasks, to enhance productivity, whilst not adversely affecting the employee’s health.

We can also advise on wellbeing strategies to take a more proactive approach to improving health and wellbeing at work. This benefits both the individual and the company in terms of productivity and can positively affect your bottom line.

Benefits of Occupational Health to you

Key conclusions from a 2022 Society of Occupational Medicine report identified the positive links between employee health and wellbeing to successful business performance. It indicated that highly effective companies will often have a culture and philosophy that values health, and that wellbeing strategies need to encompass the work environment, culture and interpersonal relationships.

Other benefits include:

  • Reduced costs of absence due to lost time due to sickness and injury
  • Reduced risk of litigation through compliance with health and safety legislation
  • Preventing work-related ill-health and reducing the costs of ill-health at work
  • Keeping people at work even if work adjusted temporarily until health condition fully resolved or stabilised
  • Encouraging productivity by getting the best out an individual regardless of their health status
  • Improving productivity through a healthier workplace ethos – increasing motivation and efficiency
  • Aiding staff retention – reducing the cost of recruitment and training

Testimonials

After working with a variety of occupational health providers over the years, I have never worked so closely with a provider who genuinely cares about our colleagues but also about our business. Occupational Health Services Ltd understand our business and spend time to understand our colleagues too. They are always at the end of a phone to give advice, support and give confidence to colleagues working with them for the best outcomes for all.

Linsay Baverstock, People Partner, Settle Group