Occupational health

[Milliemoopink]

Hi me again Still off sick due to ongoing symptoms not under control .

Has anyone has welfare check from work and occupational health involved ?

Just wondering what to expect .

[PoTs_lass]

Hi Milliemoopink,

I have gone through an occupational health assessment and if anything for me it was a very positive experience. They are there to help you and want you to be able to be healthy enough to work.

You can ask to see the report before it is given to your employer which for me took away a lot of anxiety about what was going to be said and to make sure any information in there was correct.

They put forward ways your employer can work with you to make reasonable adjustments and the time in your work place more comfortable for you.

Wishing you the best and hope your occupational health report is a positive experience.

Jules

[56dick19]

hi it’s a few years ago now when I was off from work they used to ring me every week to check up if I was improving. I applied to be medically retired which they turned down the first time as I wasn’t on maximum medication.

I did go back to work but I wasn’t getting on very well so had to go off sick again and ended up on maximum medication. So I reapplied had to go and see them and was told I would be retired as I wouldn’t be fit enough to work again

Hope it goes well for you

[Milliemoopink in reply to 56dick19]

Thanks What age were you medically retired ?

Can they just dismiss you if they can't make adjustments .

Is there any questions I should ask ?

[56dick19 in reply to Milliemoopink]

Hi they retired me at 60. I’m now 67 now get state pension I took my wife with me to the interview she is good at asking all the right questions

[fishonabike in reply to Milliemoopink]

if you have a union or professional association they should be able to advise you - that's what you pay your subscription for

just remember that the OH depaartment is there to advise you and the employer, but the employer is paying them - my own experience was over 20 year and I hope the balance has shifted since then, but you need to be aware that they are not your GP who cares for YOU - they are about getting you back to the workplace and they cannot force your employer to make changes, they advise

i worked for the NHS and was put in a situation where medical retirement was my only realistic option at 43 - if this was granted it meant the NHS had to pay me a pension, so maybe you can understand that they might be reluctant to do this - so you need aware of the possible outcome

i'm sorry to be so cynical about the process as this is a lot to go through on top of how your condition is affecting you - i just hope that the whole process is kind to you and that you get the outcome you want

[Classof1988]

Involvement with Occupational Health will depend on the organisation and probably company size as well. I worked in the public sector and had some experience of managing attendance. Initially, after a week, we would look at the reason for absence and decide if this is something straightforward which will get better or whether more help will be needed. Reviews, preferably in person, or on phone, would then be held on a bi weekly basis, possibly off site in a neutral location if the reason for sickness was trauma, but Occupational Health would be consulted regularly and cases would be discussed from a medical viewpoint to see how we could help. There was some scope for funding medical assistance though this was limited and more for operations that would enable a return to fitness. Assessment by and at Occupational Health would be arranged if appropriate. Once you well well enough to return, you may need a medical prior to return, though I was working in a safety critical environment so requirements might be different. Reasonable adjustments could also be considered to allow a return to work of a kind that would not be too taxing, be it by lighter duties or shorter days, Occupational Health would advise if this was an option. This is not exhaustive, but Occupational Health are there to help and assist. Having said that, keep in touch with NHS and also if you have a TU rep touch base with them. Hope this helps.

[BlueberryBob]

In a similar position but almost 2 years in with many Occ Health meetings under my belt. Agree with much already said. They are there to help. They will write a report - so my advice to add to the many good posts below is to think about listing your specific barriers to work, mental and physical. These perhaps will change over time. This will make for an easy conversation and a clear write up. Good luck.

[EMBoy]

I have never had an OH referral, but as an NHS manager, I made several referrals for my staff members.

The main role of OH is to ascertain whether or not you are fit to work, and their secondary role is to advise on any reasonable adjustments your employer may need to make for your return to work.

Don't forget that your medical details are strictly confidential and your OH department cannot divulge anything to your employer without your consent. Hence, you can have an open and frank discussion with the OH doctor who should remain impartial.

As others have said, they are there to help you and will have your best interests in mind.

I wish you all the best.

[Milliemoopink in reply to EMBoy]

Thanks 😊