Occupational Health Assessments For SMEs

Practical Support With Occupational Health Referrals And Workplace Health Issues

When an employee’s health begins to affect their attendance, performance or ability to carry out their role, employers often need more information than a fit note can provide. Occupational Health can provide independent medical advice to help employers make informed decisions whilst supporting employee wellbeing.

Knowing when to make a referral, what questions to ask and how to interpret the recommendations can be challenging. Kea HR can guide you through the process and help you use Occupational Health effectively as part of your wider absence management and employee wellbeing strategy.

When Occupational Health Assessment Might Help

Employers commonly consider Occupational Health Assessments when dealing with:

  • Long-term sickness absence
  • Frequent short-term absence
  • Stress, anxiety or other mental health concerns
  • Return-to-work planning
  • Reasonable adjustments
  • Disability-related absence
  • Performance concerns linked to health issues
  • Capability procedures
  • Fitness to attend workplace meetings
  • Ill-health retirement considerations

Obtaining the right medical information at the right time can help employers make better decisions and reduce the risk of absence issues becoming more complex.

How Occupational Health Assessments Fit Into Attendance Management

Occupational Health is one of many tools available to employers when managing sickness absence and employee wellbeing. It does not replace good absence management or management judgement, but it can provide valuable independent medical advice to support decision-making.

An Occupational Health referral may be appropriate where an employee has been absent for a prolonged period, is experiencing repeated sickness absence, has a health condition affecting their performance or may require workplace adjustments. The advice provided can help employers understand how an employee’s health affects their ability to carry out their role and what support may facilitate a successful return to work.

Occupational Health reports often assist employers when considering phased returns to work, reasonable adjustments, capability procedures and ongoing attendance management. They can also provide reassurance that decisions are based on appropriate medical evidence rather than assumptions.

Knowing when to make a referral, what questions to ask and how to interpret the recommendations can make a significant difference to the outcome. If you need practical support arranging an Occupational Health referral or understanding an Occupational Health report, visit our Occupational Health Referrals For SMEs page to learn more about our referral service.


Book Your Occupational Health Referral

Related Resources

You may also find the following resources helpful:

Ways To Work With Kea HR

Support with Occupational Health referrals can be provided through:

The most appropriate option will depend on the complexity of the situation and the level of support required.

Not sure whether Occupational Health is the right solution?

We’ll discuss your situation, explain the options available and help you decide on the most appropriate next steps.

Have a question about Occupational Health or managing employee health issues?

Speak directly with our CIPD-qualified HR expert with 30+ years’ experience.


Book Your Free Intro Call
Call Us