Getting an OH Assessment: What is the process?

Step 2: The occupational health assessment

This is often the part people have most concerns about, but there’s no need to worry. The assessment is simply a conversation with a qualified occupational health professional, giving you an opportunity to discuss your health openly and honestly.

The purpose is to understand your individual circumstances, rather than judge your medical condition.

During your assessment, the clinician may talk to you about:

• Your current medical condition or symptoms
• Any medication or treatment you’re receiving
• How your health affects your day-to-day work
• Your job role and typical responsibilities
• Your working environment
• Any workplace challenges you’re experiencing
• Support or adjustments that may help you perform your role safely and comfortably

They may also ask about your medical history if it’s relevant to your current situation. This helps build a complete picture of your health and how it relates to your work.

One of the most important things to remember is that the assessment is confidential. Personal medical information isn’t shared with your employer without your knowledge. Instead, the focus is on providing specialist, objective advice about your fitness for work and any recommendations that could support both you and your employer.

Depending on the circumstances, your assessment may take place face to face or remotely via telephone or video call.

Step 3: Gathering further information

In many cases, the occupational health professional will have enough information from the assessment alone to make their recommendations.

However, there may sometimes be a need for them to seek additional medical information to better understand your condition. This could involve requesting a report from your GP or consultant, but only with your explicit consent.

Gathering further information ensures that any recommendations are based on the most accurate and up-to-date medical evidence available.

Step 4: The occupational health report

Following the assessment, the occupational health clinician will prepare a report for your employer.

Rather than sharing confidential medical details, the report focuses on practical guidance related to your work. It may include advice on:

• Your fitness for work
• Whether you’re likely to return to work within a certain timeframe
• Any recommended temporary or permanent workplace adjustments
• Whether a phased return to work is required and how this could be structured
• Any restrictions that should be considered
• Whether further occupational health review may be helpful

Employers will typically use the report to inform discussions about any adjustments, support or next steps that may be needed.

While occupational health recommendations are advisory rather than mandatory, they provide an evidence-based foundation for decision-making, helping employers meet their responsibilities and support employee wellbeing while balancing workplace needs.

Supporting healthier workplaces

Occupational health assessments are designed to benefit everyone involved. They help employees receive appropriate support and provide employers with independent, evidence-based advice to manage staff health concerns effectively.

Understanding what to expect from an occupational health assessment can help remove uncertainty and reassure employees that the process is centred around finding practical solutions, not making judgments.

Whether through identifying reasonable adjustments, supporting a return to work, or helping someone manage a long-term health condition, occupational health assessments play an important role in promoting healthier, happier workplaces.

How we can help

If you’re looking for expert occupational health support, Medigold Health offers tailored services to help employers and employees navigate workplace health with confidence.

Learn more about our Occupational Health services, get in touch with our team, or explore our dedicated Protect OH service to find the right support for your organisation.