Occupational health policy

Policy overview

Our occupational health service aims to ensure that:  

  • employees are medically suitable for their work 
  • the working environment is suitable for employees 

This information sets out:  

  • the standards that staff are to expect from our occupational health provider 
  • the services available 

Service standards 

Occupational health is the area of health care that is concerned with the relationship between people’s health and their work. Its role is an advisory one. It is not:

  •  a substitute for a General Practitioner (GP)
  •  a treatment service for injury or illness

It provides advice on health issues of employees, which is: 

  • clear 
  • actionable 
  • business-focused 
  • timely   

This will allow managers to:  

  • make informed decisions to balance the needs of the business, and at the same time 
  • make adjustments to support employees with health issues  

This enables employees to remain at work and perform in their roles. 

All consultations are treated in confidence. Medical information is only shared with the consent of the employee. 

Principles 

The service is provided by appropriately qualified or experienced staff. 

Suitable equipment is provided along with convenient accommodation which is: 

  • separate from council premises 
  • fully accessible  
  • private 

The occupational health service will maintain all administrative systems and records within Data Protection requirements. It will provide management information to support strategic planning and occupational health targets. 

To enable strategic planning, the service will provide regular management information. This enables the identification of emerging health issues. 

Occupational health will support with relevant policies and procedures. It will advise on changes to the relevant legislation.  

The service will arrange regular contract review meetings with its staff and the council. 

Succeed together graphic