The Occupational Health service provides independent and confidential advice to employees and the employer on how health affects work, and how work affects health.
This advice is based on specialist knowledge of the work environment, which your own doctor may not have. Their opinions may differ for that reason.
Reasons your manager may refer you to Occupational Health
Your manager may suggest a referral to Occupational Health because of:
- absence due to illness or injury
- frequent short absences
- a work issue that is affecting your health
- a health issue which may be affecting your ability to do your job
Your manager will explain the reasons for your referral.
Before signing your consent, you should read the Employee Referral Form (Word, 130 KB, 4 pages).
Occupational Health will advise you and your manager on how long your sickness absence may last, and how your health condition may affect your work. To support your return to work, they may recommend rehabilitation options.
Guidance for employees on long‑term sick leave is available in the HSE Returning to Work from Sick Leave (employee booklet) (PDF, 632 KB, 12 pages).
Attending the Occupational Health service
You will only be assessed by Occupational Health if you give your consent for this to happen.
You can refuse to attend the Occupational Health service. This may mean that further management action is taken without medical advice.
You should discuss any concerns about the assessment with your manager. You can contact Occupational Health for more information about the assessment.
Guidance on attendance and management is set out in the Managing Attendance Policy (PDF, 452 KB, 29 pages).
What happens at the appointment
The nurse or doctor will discuss the reasons for your referral. If it is a management referral, they will go through the referral form with you.
They will review the information you have provided, such as GP or specialist reports.
Occupational Health may ask for your consent to contact your specialist or GP if further information is required.
If a physical examination is likely to be necessary, this will be explained, for example, if you have a back injury.
At the end of the consultation, you may be given specific advice to improve your health and wellbeing.
Where your manager has made the referral, they will tell you what will be included in the report to be given to your manager.
Information that goes in the report to managers
The management referral form may include specific questions from your manager. Answers to your manager’s questions will be included where possible. Relevant information about your referral and fitness for work will also be added.
Details to be included in the report will be discussed with you at the consultation.
These may include:
- medical fitness to work
- likely duration of sickness absence
- day-to-day effect of any disability
- recommendations that may enable an earlier return to work
Occupational Health will only make recommendations. Your manager will decide if reasonable accommodations can be made.
Occupational Health records and confidentiality
Occupational Health records are kept secure. They are accessed only by Occupational Health employees.
Employee information is managed in accordance with data protection and GDPR requirements.
Your data protection and occupational health
If you are unable to attend your appointment
Inform your manager and Occupational Health immediately if you cannot attend an appointment. Your appointment may then be offered to another employee. Your manager can request another appointment for you when needed.
If you are not well enough to attend your appointment, you may be asked to provide a doctor's report instead. Occupational Health may also ask for your written consent to contact your GP or specialist.
Contact
Local occupational health contact details (PDF, 474KB, 20 pages)