Occupational Health Referrals for Employees and how to make them

What is the process for referring employees to Occupational Health services?

Do you have employees whose health – mental or physical – might be preventing them from functioning properly whilst they’re at work? Are you experiencing Employee Absenteeism or Presenteeism? If so, our range of Occupational Health services at UKIM is the solution. 

But to ensure that your employees are well looked after, it's important to understand what process works best when referring employees for this type of service. In our blog post, we discuss the employee referral process, the risks associated employees may face whilst carrying out their duties, and the support and treatment they may require - without having a negative impact on the efficiency of your business.

Does an employer have a responsibility to provide Occupational Health services?

Employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide their employees with a safe and healthy working environment. This is where our range of robust occupational health services comes into its own. From preventative solutions and early identification support to a diverse range of treatment options, our end-to-end services ensure that your employees are fit and safe whilst at work.

We can provide regular health assessments, health & safety advice and help promote good work practice around mental health and wellbeing. With an increasing focus on employee wellbeing and safety. Understanding an employer's role in Occupational Health services is vital to protect staff, improve productivity, and, benefit the wider industry.

How can my employees be referred to Occupational Health services?

It is crucial to prioritise the overall health and wellbeing of your entire workforce. You may have employees who are potentially exposed to a variety of workplace risks. Having the right OH services in place will aid in the early identification of any potential health risks and will both monitor and eliminate workplace risk. It is essential to have a system in place where workers who may require such services are identified and referred to Occupational Health. 

Whilst this is not an extensive list, here are some examples of some roles with associated risks.

• Any worker who is exposed to hazardous materials or work environments that can pose a risk to their health and safety.
• Those who are involved in jobs that require physical exertion or heavy lifting, such as construction workers or warehouse operatives. 
• Employees exposed to high levels of noise, vibration, or radiation, such as factory workers or those who work with heavy machinery.
• Office-based staff who use computers or other electronic devices for extended periods, such as office workers or software developers, may benefit from ergonomic assessments to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
• Employees dealing with stress or mental health issues related to work, such as burnout or anxiety, may need access to counselling or other support services.
• People with disabilities may require reasonable accommodations in the workplace, and occupational health services can help employers make necessary adjustments.
• Those required to undertake fitness assessments, such as firefighters or military personnel, may need to undergo specific health checks to ensure they are fit to perform their duties.

How to evaluate an employee's physical and mental health needs

Unfortunately, long working hours and the sheer pressure of meeting targets can take a toll on an employee's health, both physically and mentally. Our comprehensive pre-placement assessment for employers will not only benefit the individual employee but also aid in increasing productivity and reducing absenteeism in the long run for you, the employer. 

Our assessments include...

A medical check-up
Health risk appraisals
Mental health screenings.

These assessments help ensure that new and existing employees are physically and mentally fit to carry out the requirements of their new or current roles.

Addressing and meeting these employee health needs is an investment in their wellbeing and a step towards building a healthy, happy and productive workforce.

How to set up a referral process for employees to access the Occupational Health services  

To ensure that your employees have access to Occupational Health services, you can set up a referral process. By doing so, you can help your employees address any health concerns or issues they may be facing.

The referral process should be clear and straightforward so that employees feel comfortable and confident seeking medical help if needed. Whether it's a physical or mental health issue, having access to Occupational Health services can positively impact your employees' health and productivity. Having a well-thought-out referral process in place shows you are portraying that you care about their overall health and wellbeing.

How to encourage employees to take advantage of Occupational Health resources

At a time when employee wellbeing has become more paramount than ever, employers must encourage their employees to take advantage of the resources available. Whether it is mental health support, training or development opportunities, or simply access to equipment and tools, these resources can help your team to perform at their best whilst also ensuring their overall happiness and satisfaction in the workplace. By actively promoting the use of our OH services, you can cultivate a culture of support and growth within your organisation.

At UKIM, we firmly believe that implementing an effective Occupational Health plan will help create a healthy, productive workforce. We also know that every business is unique, and so are your employees. That's why we offer tailored OH services to suit the specific needs of your business.

So, if you're looking to maximise the wellbeing of your workforce while keeping costs down, investing in a robust Occupational Health service with UKIM is a great start. Based in the North East of England, we cover the entire UK with our network of 800 treatment venues spread across the UK.

Alan Ballard is Partnership Director at UKIM.

With over 15 years experience in the Occupational Health sector, Alan has worked on some of the largest OH contracts in the UK, utilising his skills in Project Management, Modelling and Account Management.

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