Understanding Occupational Health Referrals: Key Things to Know

In today’s fast-paced work environment, ensuring the wellbeing of employees is more crucial than ever. Occupational health referrals play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy workforce, addressing health issues, and ensuring that employees can perform their roles effectively. But what exactly is an occupational health referral, and why should you consider making one? This guide will help you understand the referral process, including how to make a referral, what happens afterwards, and the benefits of referring employees for occupational health assessments.

What is an Occupational Health Referral?

An occupational health referral is a formal request made by an employer or manager for an employee to undergo an assessment or consultation with an occupational health professional. These referrals are typically made when an employee’s health condition affects their ability to perform their job duties effectively or when there are concerns about their fitness for work.

Occupational health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or occupational therapists, are specialists trained to evaluate how health conditions impact work performance and to provide recommendations to improve workplace health and safety.

How to Make an Occupational Health Referral? 

Making an occupational health referral involves a few key steps:

1. Identify the Need: Determine if an employee’s health condition is affecting their job performance or if there are concerns about their ability to work safely. Common scenarios include prolonged absenteeism, frequent sick leave, or noticeable changes in performance.
2. Gather Information: Collect relevant information about the employee’s health and job role. This includes medical records, details about their job responsibilities, and any recent incidents or changes in performance.
3. Consult with HR: Before making a referral, discuss the situation with your Human Resources (HR) department to ensure that you follow the correct procedures and comply with data protection regulations.
4. Submit the Referral: Complete a referral form, providing detailed information about the employee’s health issues and job role. This form is typically sent to an occupational health service provider.

What Happens After the Referral?

Once the referral is submitted, several key steps occur:

1. Admin Team: Our admin team at TAC Healthcare will triage the referral request to determine whether an Occupational Health Nurse (OHN) or Occupational Health Physician (OHP) appointment is required. They will assess the suitability of face-to-face, video, or telephone consultation options based on the clinical needs of the case.
2. Appointment Scheduling: The admin team will offer available appointment slots based on the assessed clinical requirements. Once a slot is selected, a confirmation email will be sent to both the employee and the client booker/requester.  Additionally, a separate email with online questionnaires will be sent to the employee for completion before the appointment.
3. Post-Appointment Process: After the appointment, the occupational health report will be available to the client within 3-5 working days. If a Fit to Return     certificate has been requested, it will be provided to the client on the same day. The speed of report availability may vary depending on whether the client is using the iOH portal.

What Are The Benefits of Referring an Employee for an Occupational Health Assessment?

Referring an employee to occupational health services can have several benefits:

●      Enhanced Productivity: Addressing health issues promptly can help employees return to work faster and perform their duties more effectively.

●      Reduced Absenteeism: By managing health conditions proactively, you can minimise absenteeism and the associated costs.

●      Improved Employee Wellbeing: Providing support and adjustments based on professional recommendations helps in creating a healthier and more supportive work environment.

●      Legal Compliance: Occupational health referrals ensure that your company adheres to health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues related to workplace health.

In conclusion, understanding and utilising occupational health referrals is essential for maintaining a productive and healthy workforce. By following the referral process and acting on professional recommendations, employers can support their employees’ wellbeing and enhance overall workplace efficiency.

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Do you want to know how we can help you maintain a safe and healthy workplace? Contact us at businessdevelopment@tachealthcare.com or give us a call at 0333 014 3488.

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