An Occupational Health Assessment evaluates an employee’s fitness for work, identifies any underlying medical conditions, and provides recommendations for workplace adjustments or job roles. It considers the employee’s physical and mental health, medical history, and the specific demands of their role. The assessment is designed to identify health issues that may impact the employee’s performance or pose a risk to their health and safety.
The assessment is conducted by a qualified Occupational Health professional with the necessary training and experience. Its purpose is to identify any underlying health issues and offer recommendations to the employer to assist the employee in their work role. This helps the business to make practical considerations for the employee’s health in the workplace.
The Process of an Occupational Health Assessment
The process of an Occupational Health Assessment may vary depending on the specific requirements of the employer and employee. However, there are common steps involved.
Referral
The initial step involves the business submitting a management referral using our secure online referral form, available on our website.
The referral form will request information about the employee’s job role, health issues affecting work and specific questions for the assessment. Guidance and a selection of frequently asked questions are provided on the form.
We will schedule an appointment for the employee upon receipt of the secure online referral form. We aim to schedule the appointment within 48 hours of receiving the referral form.
Assessment
The assessment itself will usually take place via the telephone or virtually. The Occupational Health professional will conduct a medical history review. This is a confidential conversation.
Report
After assessing the employee, the Occupational Health professional will create a report that outlines the health issues affecting the employee at work. The report will include recommendations for adjusting work tasks, if necessary.
These recommendations are advisory, and it’s up to the business to decide what changes are operationally feasible to support.
Why is an Occupational Health Assessment important?
Employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of their employees and an Occupational Health Assessment can help with this. The assessment process can identify health problems affecting an employee’s ability to work safely and effectively in the job role. It can make recommendations for adjustments to reduce the impact of health symptoms. In identifying these issues, the employer can consider what it believes to be operationally feasible measures to support the employee at work whilst managing their health condition.
ACAS’s website provides insight into the Occupational Health Assessment process. https://www.acas.org.uk/using-occupational-health-at-work/using-occupational-health-to-help-someone-at-work
