What is Occupational Health?
An occupational health practitioner, is usually either a Doctor or a Nurse who has undertaken extensive training in the branch of medicine that focuses of the physical and mental wellbeing of employees in the workplace. They are a skilled healthcare professional, but their work differs significantly from that of an occupational therapist. An occupational health practitioner`s aim is to prevent work related illness and injury through monitoring the health of the workforce, monitoring the health of the workforce and encouraging safe working practices. The discipline is underpinned by public health. Often defined as “The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting human health through organised efforts and informed choices of society, organisations, public and private, communities and individuals.”
Occupational health is a specialist discipline about protecting and promoting health and wellbeing in the workplace, whilst supporting the business. Its about safeguarding health through health promotion, education, knowledge of risks. It is about being a part of a bigger team of health professionals within our local community, who don`t know each other, yet have the same goal. To protect health and wellbeing.
Occupational health practitioners provide accurate advice in relation to health and employment by using clinical skills, specialist advanced occupational health training, understanding of legislation and best practice guidance.
For management, occupational health is a business support service which assists management manage their contract with their staff, in relation to health. This might be providing advice regarding absences, fitness to work with identified hazards, periodic medicals such as fork lift truck or working at heights. It may be to provide advice regarding pre placement assessments or new starters. Providing guidance around making reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 or supporting health programmes and educations to meet business goals. This aims to achieve health and safety compliance, which if implemented correctly not only meets statutory and mandatory compliance but also promotes a culture of safety and trust within the business.
For an employee occupational health’s role is to promote and protect their health through assessments usually requested by management. With the employees’ consent, a detailed medical and occupational history is taken. Functional ability is also explored before providing guidance on fitness for role. A report is generated to provide recommendations which management may wish to consider. The report creates a permanent record of the advice. During the consultation, occupational health practitioners have a unique opportunity to provide insight into the employee’s health condition. In a mental health referral, this might be the opportunity for an employee to talk. To open up about their issues. With health coaching, occupational health is in a privileged position to be able to help the client find solutions. Even if that solution is to recognise that they need further support.
The woolly, grey world of occupational health confuses most, until there is a need, then the benefits are invaluable. It can support both management and the employee, providing guidance during the good and the difficult times.
For further information, please feel free to contact us… info@yorkohs.com