Highlights
- Occupational health assessments are confidential meetings with health professionals to discuss medical history, work hazards, health concerns, and recommendations.
- Attendance often depends on employer policies; some require assessments for all staff or those in hazardous roles.
- Assessments involve a health discussion, sometimes a physical exam, a review of findings, and suggested work modifications.
- Types of assessments include fit-for-work, return-to-work, and telephone assessments.
What happens at an occupational health assessment?
An occupational health assessment is a confidential meeting with an occupational health professional,¹ such as a doctor, nurse, or occupational hygienist. The assessment will typically involve the following:
- A discussion of your health history, including any current or past medical conditions and any medications you are taking.
- A physical examination, if necessary.
- A discussion of your work environment and the hazards you may be exposed to.
- A discussion of any health concerns you have about your work.
Questions asked at occupational health assessment
The occupational health professional will ask you various questions about your health and work. Some common questions include:
- What are your current medical conditions?
- Are you taking any medications?
- Have you ever had any work-related injuries or illnesses?
- Do you have any concerns about your health and how it may affect your work?
- Can you describe your work environment and the hazards you may be exposed to?
Do I have to attend an occupational health assessment?
Whether or not you have to attend an occupational health assessment depends on your employer’s policy. Some employers require all employees to have an occupational health assessment at the start of their employment, while others only require assessments for employees who are at risk of exposure to certain hazards.
In most cases, an independent occupational health assessment provider will require a management referral from your employer as they are obligated to demonstrate that they have acted fairly at all times. If your employer has an occupational health policy, you should ask them to see a copy of it so that you can understand your rights and obligations.
What to expect from an occupational health assessment
The occupational health professional will greet you and introduce themselves. They will then ask you some questions about your health and work.
The occupational health professional may also perform a physical examination if necessary. This may involve measuring your height, weight, and blood pressure. The occupational health professional may also listen to your heart and lungs and examine your joints and muscles.
After the assessment, the occupational health professional will discuss their findings with you. They may also make some recommendations about how to manage your health and work safely.
How long does an occupational health assessment take?
The length of an occupational health assessment will vary depending on the individual’s needs. However, most assessments take between 30 and 60 minutes.
The different types of OH assessment
Fit for work assessment
A fit-for-work assessment is an evaluation conducted by an occupational health professional to determine whether an individual is physically and mentally fit to perform their job safely and effectively.
There are two main contexts for fit-for-work assessments:
1. Employer-initiated:
These assessments are typically requested by employers when an employee:
- Has been absent from work for a prolonged period due to illness or injury.
- Experiences health issues that might impact their ability to work safely.
- May need adjustments to their role or work environment due to health concerns.
The assessment aims to:
- Identify any limitations the employee may have due to their health.
- Recommend modifications to the job or work environment to accommodate those limitations.
- Determine if the employee is fit to return to work in their current role or needs alternative arrangements.
2. Employee-initiated:
- An employee may request a fit-for-work assessment if they:
- Have concerns about their ability to perform their job safely due to health issues.
- Feel their work environment is impacting their health and well-being.
- Want to understand their options for adjustments or accommodations.
The assessment can help the employee:
- Identify any health risks associated with their current job.
- Advocate for reasonable adjustments to their role or work environment.
- Make informed decisions about their work situation.
Key points to remember:
- Fit-for-work assessments are not solely about determining whether an employee is “well enough” to work. They are also about finding solutions and making adjustments to support the employee’s health and well-being at work.
- These assessments are confidential and impartial.
- Both employers and employees have rights and responsibilities regarding fit-for-work assessments.
Occupational health return to work assessment
An occupational health return to work assessment is an assessment that is carried out to help an employee return to work safely after an absence due to illness or injury.
The occupational health professional will assess the employee’s health and fitness to work. They may also make some recommendations about how to manage the employee’s health and work safely.
Occupational health telephone assessment
An occupational health telephone assessment is an assessment that is carried out over the phone. This type of assessment is typically used for employees who are unable to attend an in-person assessment, such as employees who are working remotely or employees who have a disability.
The occupational health professional will ask the employee various questions about their health and work. They may also make some recommendations about how to manage the employee’s health and work safely.
How much does an appointment cost?
Your employer or their health insurance plan typically covers the cost of occupational health appointments and assessments.
Case study example
John is a construction worker who has been off work for six weeks after breaking his leg in a fall on-site. John’s employer has asked him to have an occupational health return-to-work assessment before he can return to work.
John attends the occupational health assessment and meets with an occupational health nurse. The nurse asks John about his recovery from his injury and how he feels. The nurse also asks John about his work environment and the tasks that he would be required to perform when he returns to work.
The occupational health nurse then examines John’s leg to assess his range of motion and strength. The nurse also checks John’s blood pressure and pulse.
After the assessment, the occupational health nurse tells John that he is fit to return to work. However, the nurse recommends that John wear a supportive brace on his leg for the first few weeks back at work. The nurse also recommends that John take breaks throughout the day and avoids lifting heavy objects.
John returns to work the following week and is able to perform all of his job duties safely and comfortably.
It’s normal to feel nervous about any medical appointment, including an occupational health assessment. The occupational health professional is there to support you and answer any questions you have.
Your employer should be able to provide an interpreter if needed.
You can bring someone with you for support, such as a friend, family member, or colleague.
You should bring a list of any medications you are taking and any medical records you think may be relevant, such as hospital discharge summaries or doctor’s letters.
You should wear comfortable clothing that allows the occupational health professional to examine you easily, if necessary.
The occupational health professional will discuss the results of the assessment with you in person, and you may also receive a written report.
You can discuss your concerns with the occupational health professional and ask for further explanation or a second opinion.
The results of the assessment are confidential, but you have the right to share them with anyone you choose, such as your doctor or solicitor.
The frequency of assessments will depend on your employer’s policy and your specific job role.
If you are not fit to work in your current role, the occupational health professional will work with you and your employer to find a suitable alternative role or make adjustments to your current role.
Article fact-checked and approved by Dr. Amun Kalia and Dr Deryk Waller