Submitting occupational health referrals allows you to get help with health-related issues whilst at work. However, when it comes to occupational health, the process can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming.
Occupational health refers to the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention and management of work-related injuries and illnesses. This can include physical, psychological, and environmental factors that affect a person’s health while on the job. When an employee experiences a health issue related to their work, they may need to be referred to an occupational health specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
If you are an employee or employer, it’s important to understand the process of occupational health referrals and what to expect to help ensure that you receive the proper care and support. In this article, we will explore the basics of the rerral process and provide tips for making the process as smooth as possible.
What is Occupational Health?
Occupational health refers to the overall wellbeing of a person in their workplace. This includes physical and mental health, as well as aspects such as job satisfaction and performance.
The main goal of occupational health is to ensure that workers are safe, healthy, and productive while on the job. To achieve this, employers must provide their employees with access to occupational health services.
These services can include referrals for medical assessment or advice, management referral forms for long-term sickness absence or attendance records, occupational therapy sessions, and more.
Furthermore, if an employee has a mental health condition or disability that requires reasonable accommodations in the workplace, employers must also provide these provisions.
Finally, it is important for employers to have a management referral process in place for any performance issues that might arise from everyday tasks. In short, occupational health is essential for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
Types of Referrals to Occupational Health
Occupational health referrals are an important part of any workplace health program. Referrals can be made by employers, employees, or medical professionals for a variety of reasons.
These can include medical assessment or advice, management referral forms for long-term sickness absence or attendance records, occupational therapy sessions, and more.
Additionally, referrals may be made to help diagnose and treat chronic health conditions that affect an employee’s ability to work safely and productively.
Furthermore, referrals may be necessary when an employee has a mental health condition or disability that requires reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
Finally, regular referrals to occupational health are also recommended for employees who demonstrate signs of stress or other health issues that could potentially impact their job performance.
By referring employees for occupational health services when needed, employers can ensure their staff is supported in all aspects of their wellbeing and ability to do their best at work.
Reasons for Referral to Occupational Health
Occupational health referrals are an important part of any workplace health program. There are a number of reasons why employers, employees, or medical professionals might choose to refer someone to occupational health services.
For instance, they might need assistance with managing performance issues or difficulty completing everyday tasks. It could be necessary when an employee has a mental health condition or disability that requires reasonable accommodations in the workplace. Additionally, referrals may be made to help diagnose and treat chronic health conditions that affect an employee’s ability to work safely and productively.
It is also recommended that employees get regular referrals to occupational health if they demonstrate signs of stress or other health issues that could potentially impact their job performance.
Occupational health assessments can provide helpful insights into an employee’s wellbeing and help employers create a healthier working environment for everyone on staff.
Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions can be difficult and overwhelming, but they don’t have to be a barrier to success. An occupational health referral is an important way to access the support you need.
Occupational health practitioners are experts in understanding how mental health conditions affect work performance. They can provide assessments, advice, and support so that you feel empowered in your work environment.
Occupational health referrals can also lead to reasonable accommodations for those with mental health conditions, such as flexible working hours, reduced workloads, or changes in the job role. This can make all the difference when it comes to creating a safe and supportive workplace for those with mental health issues.
So if you’re struggling with a mental health condition, don’t hesitate to ask your employer about making an occupational health referral today!
Long-term Sickness Absence
Long-term sickness absence can be a difficult issue for both employers and employees alike. It can have an impact on both morale and productivity in the workplace, as well as affecting the individual involved.
An occupational health referral is a great way to help manage long-term sickness absence.
By referring an employee to an occupational health professional, employers are able to get an independent assessment of the employee’s condition, along with advice on how to best manage it in the workplace.
This could involve providing reasonable adjustments or accommodations to support them, such as reduced workloads or flexible working hours. An occupational health referral can also provide medical advice and guidance on how to help prevent further absences in the future.
If you’re struggling with long-term sickness absence, don’t hesitate to ask your employer about making an occupational health referral.
Frequent Sickness Absence
Frequent sickness absences can be a real challenge for any workplace. It can take a toll on the team’s morale and productivity, not to mention the financial implications of having to cover absences.
An occupational health referral is one-way employers can help manage frequent sickness absences in their staff.
By referring an employee to an occupational health professional, they are able to get an independent medical assessment of the individual’s condition along with advice on how best to manage it in the workplace.
This could involve providing reasonable adjustments such as reduced workloads or flexible working hours in order to help facilitate their return to work.
An occupational health referral also helps employers gain insights into what may have caused the employee’s illness, whether it be stress, anxiety or another mental health condition, physical disability or chronic illness.
Tthis could provide valuable information that employers can use when making decisions about managing future absences from work due to ill health.
Who Can Make a Referral to Occupational Health?
An occupational health referral can be made by anyone, but it is most commonly initiated by either the employee themselves or their employer. The employee can request a referral if they feel they need additional support in managing their health condition in the workplace.
An employer may make a referral when they are concerned about an employee’s performance or attendance due to ill health or disability.
It is important to note that any referrals must be made with the consent of the employee, as it is their right to decide whether or not they want to receive occupational health services. In some cases, an occupational health assessment may need to be conducted before any further action is taken and this should be discussed between all parties involved.
We must inform you though, that occupational health practitioners have a duty of care and will not provide management with information which could adversely affect the individual’s employment status without first receiving written permission from them.
Management Referrals
Management referrals to occupational health are usually initiated when an employer is concerned about an employee’s performance or attendance due to ill health or disability.
In such cases, managers can complete a referral form and send it to the occupational health department for assessment. The referral form should include relevant information about the employee’s job and any health issues that may be affecting their ability to do their job, as well as details of any existing medical conditions or disability provisions.
After receiving the referral, an occupational health practitioner will assess the situation and decide whether they need to conduct a medical examination or obtain additional medical advice in order to provide a report on the individual’s suitability for work.
If necessary, they may also recommend further treatments or interventions such as occupational therapy or workplace changes which could help improve the individual’s condition.
Management referrals ensure that employees receive appropriate support while also protecting employers from potential legal risks associated with ill health at work.
Employee Self-referrals
Employee self-referrals to occupational health are an increasingly popular way for employees to access professional advice and support in managing their physical and mental health at work.
Self-referrals give employees the opportunity to have a confidential discussion with an occupational health practitioner about their current condition, any workplace difficulties they may be having and options for treatment.
They can also provide the employer with medical records or other evidence of their condition so that reasonable adjustments can be made if necessary.
Employee self-referrals are often beneficial for both parties, as it gives employers greater insight into the employee’s well-being and ensure that appropriate support is provided quickly and efficiently in order to help them remain productive at work.
What is the Process for Making an Occupational Health Referral?
An occupational health referral is made when an employee experiences a physical or mental health issue that could affect their work performance.
The referral process typically begins with the employee’s manager, who will fill out a management referral form and submit it to the relevant occupational health service.
This should include details of the employee’s attendance record, any performance issues they may be experiencing, and how their everyday tasks are being affected by their condition.
Once this form has been received, an occupational health advisor or occupational therapist will assess the situation and decide whether a medical assessment or further medical advice is required. If so, they will arrange for a medical examination and/or receive a medical report from the employee’s doctor.
Following this assessment, the occupational health professional can advise on whether any disability provisions need to be put in place and recommend any necessary adjustments for long-term sickness absence or chronic health conditions.
They will provide an occupational health report outlining their findings and recommendations to both the employer and employee which can then be used to guide decisions on workplace health support.
Completing the Referral Form
Completing the referral form is an important step in the occupational health referral process. It’s important to be as thorough and accurate as possible when filling out this form, as it will provide the occupational health professional with important information that can help them identify any potential health issues and make recommendations for a successful return to work.
The referral form should include details of the employee’s attendance record, any performance issues they may be experiencing, and how their everyday tasks are being affected by their condition.
If applicable, it should also contain information about any pre-existing medical conditions or health complaints that could affect their wellbeing at work. Additionally, if you have any suspicions about a mental health condition such as stress or anxiety, these should also be mentioned on the form if known.
Once completed, it’s time to submit the form to the relevant occupational health service so they can assess the situation and decide whether a medical assessment or further medical advice is required.
This is an essential step in ensuring your employees get the support they need to successfully return to work without compromising their safety or wellbeing.
Providing Medical Details and Contact Information
When referring an employee for occupational health advice, it is important to provide as much information as possible. This will help the occupational health professional to assess the situation and make recommendations.
In addition to completing the referral form, you should also provide any relevant medical information and contact details of the employee’s doctor or another healthcare provider.
The medical information should include any pre-existing conditions that may affect the employee’s wellbeing at work, as well as any chronic health conditions or disabilities they may have.
Additionally, if you are aware of any mental health issues such as stress or anxiety, these should also be mentioned on the referral form.
Providing contact details for their doctor or healthcare provider can help in obtaining additional information that could be useful for assessing their condition and making recommendations.
This includes any notes from recent appointments or consultations as well as results from medical examinations or tests.
By providing all of this information upfront, you can ensure that your employees get the support they need to successfully return to work without compromising their safety or wellbeing.
What Happens After Making an Occupational Health Referral?
Once the referral has been made, the occupational health professional will contact the employee to arrange an appointment. This may be done via telephone or in person, depending on the nature of the referral and any relevant medical information provided.
At this appointment, they will discuss their current condition, any difficulties they are having with everyday tasks and whether there are any disability provisions that could help them return to work.
The occupational health professional may also assess any long-term sickness absence or attendance record as part of their assessment.
They will then provide a medical report outlining their findings and recommendations for management referrals, such as further medical assessments or changes in workplace environment or working hours.
If necessary, the occupational health advisor may refer the employee to an occupational therapist or another healthcare professional for further assessment or treatment.
They may also recommend psychological support if they suspect a mental health condition such as stress or anxiety is affecting performance issues at work.
Based on this information, the occupational health manager will provide final advice about what should happen next.
This may include providing additional support for employees in terms of workplace health initiatives such as fitness programmes and health questionnaires.
Medical Assessment and Report from Occupational Health Professional
A medical assessment and report from an occupational health professional is a valuable tool used to identify any potential health issues that may be impacting an employee’s ability to work.
The assessment will involve a range of tests and assessments tailored specifically to the individual’s job role, such as medical examinations, physical assessments and questionnaires.
These are designed to help the occupational health practitioner gain insight into the individual’s physical and mental wellbeing, as well as their ability to perform their duties safely.
The resulting medical report can provide invaluable information; such as any chronic health conditions or difficulties with everyday tasks that need to be taken into consideration when formulating management referrals or workplace changes.
This can help employers provide employees with the support they need in order to remain healthy and safe at work.
Consent Form and Informed Consent
The consent form and informed consent are important documents that must be signed by an employee prior to any occupational health assessment or referral.
These documents help ensure that the individual understands the purpose of the assessment, and what is involved in the process, and provide them with the opportunity to ask any questions they may have before proceeding.
They also provide assurance that any medical information provided will remain confidential and only be used for legitimate purposes. It is essential that these forms are read carefully and signed before any assessment can take place so that both parties understand their rights and responsibilities during the process.
Email Address and Contact Details for Follow-Up
It is important to provide your email address and contact details when making an occupational health referral. This ensures the occupational health practitioner can contact you if there are any questions or concerns during the assessment process, or if they need to discuss a specific issue.
Having this information also allows them to send you a medical report once it has been completed. It is also important that you keep your contact details up-to-date so that any changes can be communicated directly with the occupational health practitioner.
It is recommended that you provide at least two methods of contact (e.g., phone and email) when submitting your referral form to ensure that no messages are missed should one method of communication become unavailable for any reason.
Providing an email address means that all communication between yourself and the occupational health practitioner can be securely stored for future reference.
Benefits of Occupational Health Referrals at Work
Occupational health referrals can be incredibly beneficial for both individuals and businesses. They provide a safe and efficient way for employees to identify, discuss, and manage health issues that may be preventing them from carrying out their everyday tasks.
They allow employers to offer a proactive approach to identifying potential issues before they become severe enough to cause long-term sickness absence or performance issues. During an occupational health assessment, an individual’s physical and mental health are assessed, including any existing chronic health conditions or mental health conditions.
An occupational health report is then produced which outlines the employee’s capabilities in the workplace and makes recommendations on appropriate disability provisions if necessary. This helps ensure that everyone in the organization is working safely and has access to the right support when needed.
Improved Attendance Record
Occupational health referrals can help businesses keep track of their employees’ performance and ensure they are able to work safely. Improved attendance records can be achieved by introducing a management referral form which is completed by the employer, or a medical assessment conducted by an occupational health practitioner.
The form should include any existing chronic medical conditions or mental health issues that could affect an employee’s ability to carry out their job.
The occupational health report generated from this process provides employers with an accurate representation of an individual’s capabilities in the workplace, allowing them to make informed decisions when it comes to providing disability provisions if necessary.
This helps reduce absence rates due to ill-health and supports employee well-being in the workplace.
Early Intervention to Reduce Long-Term Sickness Absence
Early intervention is key to reducing long-term sickness absence in the workplace. Employers can refer their employees to an occupational health advisor for a medical assessment to identify any underlying health issues that may be causing prolonged sickness absence.
The occupational health practitioner can then provide advice and support on how best to manage the condition, such as providing workplace adjustments or referring the individual for further medical treatment if necessary.
This early intervention approach helps employers address potential health issues before they become long-term problems, allowing them to provide a safe and healthy working environment for their staff.
Long-term sickness absence can have a significant impact on business productivity, so it’s important that employers take proactive steps to prevent and reduce it wherever possible.
Access to Professional Support from an Occupational Therapist or Advisor
Having access to professional support from an occupational therapist or advisor can be immensely beneficial for those struggling with everyday tasks due to chronic health conditions, disabilities, or mental health issues.
Occupational therapists and advisors are skilled professionals who can provide tailored advice and guidance to help individuals manage their conditions more effectively.
This could include developing strategies to improve performance issues, managing attendance records, and putting in place certain disability provisions.
An occupational health assessment may also be recommended to evaluate the individual’s current situation and identify any further needs that should be addressed.
Depending on the findings of the assessment, a medical report or referral form may then be issued by the occupational therapist or advisor for follow-up action by a medical practitioner.
With appropriate support in place, individuals can often return to work with improved wellbeing and functioning.
FAQs
How can occupational health help me?
Occupational health can help you in several ways, depending on your specific circumstances and needs. Here are some examples:
- Preventing workplace injuries and illnesses: Occupational health professionals can help identify potential hazards in your workplace and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. This can help prevent accidents and illnesses that could negatively impact your health.
- Managing existing health conditions: If you have a chronic health condition, occupational health professionals can work with you and your employer to develop a plan to accommodate your needs. This may involve modifying your work environment or adjusting your work schedule to help you manage your condition.
- Improving mental health and wellbeing: Occupational health professionals can provide support and resources to help manage workplace stress and improve your mental health and wellbeing. This may include counselling, stress-management techniques, and training on how to manage work-related stress.
- Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours: Occupational health professionals can offer advice and guidance on healthy lifestyle behaviours, such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep, which can help improve your overall health and well-being.
Why have I been referred to occupational health?
There are many reasons why you may have been referred to occupational health. Here are some common reasons:
- Health issues affecting your ability to work: If you have a health condition that affects your ability to work, your employer or healthcare provider may refer you to occupational health for assessment and support. This could include physical health issues, mental health conditions, or a combination of both.
- Exposure to workplace hazards: If you work in an environment that exposes you to potential hazards, such as chemicals or noise, your employer may refer you to occupational health for evaluation and to ensure that appropriate protective measures are in place.
- Return to work after an illness or injury: If you have been off work due to an illness or injury, your employer may refer you to occupational health to ensure that you are fit to return to work and to discuss any adjustments that may be needed to support your return.
- Fitness for specific tasks or roles: If you are required to undertake certain tasks or roles at work that have specific physical or mental demands, your employer may refer you to occupational health to assess your fitness for those tasks and to identify any adjustments that may be needed.
When does occupational health get involved?
Occupational health can get involved in several stages throughout the employment cycle. Here are some examples:
- Pre-employment: Occupational health may be involved during the pre-employment stage to ensure that a candidate is fit to perform the job duties and to identify any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed.
- Health surveillance: Occupational health may be involved in ongoing health surveillance to monitor the health of employees who work in jobs that may expose them to specific hazards, such as noise, chemicals, or radiation.
- Injury or illness: Occupational health may get involved when an employee experiences a work-related injury or illness, to ensure that the employee receives appropriate medical care, to manage the employee’s return to work, and to identify ways to prevent future injuries or illnesses.
- Reasonable adjustments: Occupational health may be involved in identifying and recommending reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help employees with health conditions or disabilities to perform their job duties effectively.
- Health and wellbeing initiatives: Occupational health may be involved in promoting health and wellbeing initiatives, such as workplace wellness programs, to help employees maintain good physical and mental health.
Will occupational health contact my GP?
In some cases, occupational health may contact your GP (general practitioner) for additional information about your health condition or medical history. However, this will typically only happen with your consent, and in compliance with data protection regulations.
If you have been referred to occupational health by your employer, they will typically ask you to provide consent to share relevant information with your GP or other healthcare providers. This information may include details about your medical history, current health condition, and any medications you are taking.
If occupational health needs to contact your GP, they will typically do so to request information that is relevant to your work-related health needs. This may include information about your fitness to work, any adjustments or accommodations that may be needed to support you in the workplace, or any health risks that may be associated with your job duties.
What is an occupational health referral for?
This can be initiated by the employee, employer, or healthcare provider, and is typically done when there are concerns about the employee’s health or ability to perform their job duties.
The purpose of an occupational health referral can vary depending on the specific circumstances, but here are some common reasons for a referral:
- Assessment of fitness to work: Occupational health may be asked to assess an employee’s fitness to work, either before employment, after a period of absence due to illness or injury, or when there are concerns about their ability to perform their job duties.
- Identification of workplace hazards: Occupational health may be asked to assess the workplace environment for potential hazards and to make recommendations for how to minimize the risk of workplace injuries or illnesses.
- Management of work-related health conditions: Occupational health may be asked to provide support and advice to employees who have work-related health conditions, such as hearing loss, back pain, or stress, to help manage their condition and prevent further health problems.
- Reasonable adjustments: Occupational health may be asked to identify and recommend reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help employees with health conditions or disabilities to perform their job duties effectively.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways from this article:
– Occupational health referrals are a way for employees to receive help with health-related issues while at work.
– Occupational health deals with the prevention and management of work-related injuries and illnesses, including physical, psychological, and environmental factors.
– Referrals can be made by employers, employees, or medical professionals for a variety of reasons, including medical assessment or advice, management referral forms, occupational therapy sessions, and more.
