Occupational health promotes and maintains the highest degree of physical, mental and social wellbeing of workers in all occupations. Its objectives are:
- the maintenance and promotion of workers' health and working capacity;
- the improvement of working conditions and the working environment to become conducive to safety and health;
- the development of work organisation and working cultures that should reflect essential value systems adopted by the undertaking concerned, and include effective managerial systems, personnel policy, principles for participation, and voluntary quality-related management practices to improve occupational health.
OH advises on compliance under the Equality Act 2010 (including disability, pregnancy and age discrimination) and temporary or permament changes to the work or workplace ('reasonable adjustments') and develops health and wellbeing related strategy and policies and can provide health advice to employers. OH also carries out statutory health surveillance (e.g. when workers may be exposed to hazardous substances or noise). There are many OH specialisms - find out more here.
OH is delivered either 'in house' such as in the NHS, the Military or by commercial OH companies. The OH market turnover is £1bn. Details about the OH workforce are here. To find an OH company click here and to find an OH professional click here.
Click on the tabs below to find out more. There is also a section on the menopause for employers here and for healthcare professionals here. SOM publications, covering key guidelines and reports on Occupational and Workplace Health can be found in the SOM Publications Catalogue here. We produce a quarterly magazine, a compilation of news, resources and event information for the wider OH community.
Do sign up to our Mental Health at Work Consensus Statement here.
Are you an employer?
Research shows occupational health (OH) professionals help people stay in and return to work and live full and healthy lives. OH also helps employers to reduce sickness absence and increase productivity. If you are an employer and would like more information about OH, click the MORE INFO button below.
Are you a healthcare professional?
Occupational health professionals make a real difference to the health of workers. Research shows that good health is good for business and better workplaces have better financial results. If you are a healthcare professional and would like more information about OH, click the MORE INFO button below.