Cookies on training.hse.gov.uk
We use some essential cookies to make this service work.
We’d also like to use analytics cookies so we can understand how you use the service and make improvements.
Training and events > Course list
Join us for a free webinar on Thursday 11 December, 10:30am...
Investigating to prevent: A practical guide to workplace accidents and incidents
Occupational health services (OHS): What good OH looks like for employers
Key Information
Duration: 2 days
Available as: face-to-face and in-house training
Price: £910 per person
Course dates
Overview
Employers have a legal duty to protect their workers from work-related ill health. An important part of this includes considering any existing or developing health conditions that workers may experience while at work. Using a good Occupational Health Service (OHS) can help prevent work-related ill health and support employees whose medical conditions may impact their ability to do their job.
Health and safety legislation requires employers to ensure that work does not adversely affect employee's health. This includes conducting adequate risk assessments to identify potential health risks, and, where appropriate, implementing statutory health surveillance to detect early signs of work-related ill health.
There are specific legal obligations employers must meet to ensure that workers are medically fit to carry out their work safely. A good OHS supports employers in fulfilling these duties by helping to manage workplace health risks, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain a safe and healthy workforce.
This two-day course provides an overview of these employer responsibilities and provides guidance on how employers can effectively prioritise and utilise occupational health services to support a healthy and productive workforce.
Learning outcomes
Delegates will be provided with information that will help them to:
- Know how to identify and prioritise their organisation's occupational health (OH) requirements, based on risk assessment outcomes and legal obligations
- Understand when health surveillance is required by law and how it should be implemented to meet regulatory requirements
- Identify what specifically needs to be agreed and included in the contract with the occupational health service, including OH competence, confidentiality, communication and records management
- Know what standards and competencies to expect from the occupational health service
- Understand the range of occupational health activities and how they can support legal compliance and employee health
What the course will cover
The course will cover the OH commissioning process - including the expected competencies of OH staff, essential communication pathways, medical confidentiality and what needs to be included in your contract with the OHS.
Delegates will learn about the practical aspects of getting your occupational health service up and running and the subsequent delivery and monitoring the occupational health services
The course will explore examples where using Occupational Health is essential, for example:
- Undertaking statutory health surveillance programmes
- Use of Appointed Doctors such as when working with lead or ionising radiation
- Provision of health specific information, instruction, and training
- Job specific fit for work (FFW) health checks, for example fork lift truck driver assessment
- Management of work-related ill health cases including rehabilitation
Additionally, delegates will look at scenarios where OH input is helpful, for example:
- Undertaking site inspections, reviewing workplace control measures
- Review of risk assessments, individual risk assessments, help writing policies such as prevention of work-related stress
- Activities including consultation with workers
The course also looks at areas where OH can support employers, such as with sickness absence (attendance) management, health promotion and well-being interventions, provision or facilitation of counselling services.
There will be the opportunity to review a range of OH contracts and delegates are invited to bring their own current OH contract to review if desired.
Who should attend?
Those responsible for contracting and using occupational health services in the workplace.
Please note: this course is not intended for those providing OH services. Instead, they should consider attending our one-day OHS: Giving your customers what they need course.
Book your place(s)
Course fees include all resources and a certificate of attendance (please note that all courses must be paid for via credit card at the time of booking).
Click the button below to view upcoming course dates, prices and to book your place(s).
In-house training
This course can also be delivered to larger groups at a suitable, agreed location anywhere in the UK or internationally, online, or at the HSE Science and Research Centre. Content can also be tailored to meet organisations' own needs. Please get in touch to find out more.