What is an Occupational Health Assessment, and How Can It Help?

Occupational health assessments are a powerful tool for employers, but they also bring significant benefits to employees as well. Below, discover all the fundamental components of occupational health assessments and find out how they can help both employers and employees to thrive in the modern workplace.

What is an Occupational Health Assessment?

An occupational health assessment is a holistic assessment of an employee’s health status concerning their job. This is typically performed by a medical professional such as a dedicated practitioner, nurse, physiotherapist or doctor with special qualifications in occupational health. It can help employers and employees to identify any physical or mental health issues that may impact performance at work or ability to fulfil the requirements of any given job description. Professionals working within an Occupational Health Consultancy can provide tailored assessments and expert recommendations to support both employee wellbeing and workplace compliance. Alongside a medical review, potential reasonable adjustments can be identified to ensure the employee can complete their daily tasks safely and healthily – in turn helping to mitigate occupational risks and subsequent hazards.

What Can Occupational Health Assessments Help With?

Companies may use occupational health to assist with a variety of different concerns, factors or issues. These can include:

• When an employee is not performing in their role due to mental or physical health issues.
• When there is an obvious risk to employee or employer welfare in the workplace environment.
• Reasonable adjustments should be made for a more inclusive working environment.
• When an employee has returned to their role after a long-term period of leave such as prolonged sickness or maternity leave.
• Sick day uptake is high and an employer would like to investigate the issue.
• The employer needs to maintain compliance with health and safety regulations in their trade.
• The employer is conducting pre-employment medical assessments to determine whether prospective talent is the correct fit for a vacant role.

Many different types of tests are included in occupational health assessments, covering vital health markers such as eye tests, auditory tests, health and fitness tests and drug and alcohol testing. Occupational health specialists will have a discussion with the individual who has arrived for testing to gather an understanding of their current situation, job role and general medical history. With this information as well as any other information provided by the employer, they will combine test findings to create a comprehensive health report. This data will summarise any health concerns that the employer should be aware of along with advice for how an employee can perform to their full and healthiest capacity at work.

A core component of high health and safety standards, occupational health assessments like Jobfit are a beneficial addition to business operations that brings long-term results to companies of all sizes, scopes and trades.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.