• Replies 13 replies
  • Subscribers 85 subscribers
  • Views 235 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Seeking experiences with the Occupational Health referral process

MolyMCW

I’m looking for some advice/experiences regarding Occupational Health (OH) referrals.

My partner has dyslexia and ADHD and was recently diagnosed with ASD. He has been experiencing significant difficulties at work and is currently off sick due to anxiety related to his work environment.

He requested an OH referral through work about a month ago, after discussing it with a specialist at his GP practice. He is hoping that an OH assessment could help identify appropriate workplace adjustments and support.

We also found in the sickness policy that his manager should normally have initiated an OH referral after around four weeks of sickness absence.

What I have found online mostly concerns employees being referred to OH. I haven’t found much about situations where the employer is reluctant or difficult about making the referral in the first place.

Has anyone experienced something similar?

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thank you.

Parents

  • My experience was that work arranged an OH referral who stated I was not currently fit for work. When I had improved I was referred for a further one before returning to work and reasonable adjustments were then discussed.

  • in reply to Homebird

    Thank you. May I ask if you were ask to do anything before being referred for OH? E.g having a meeting with your manager for a discussion?

  • in reply to MolyMCW

    From experience my manager contacted HR who arranged OH. I think that was before I had the first meeting with manager on the phone on one occasion, then I think meetings were weekly to see how I was. The second time I think OH was after a month and I probably had a meeting with my manager first.

    I have googled ACAS and it says employers are not obliged to use OH. Our policy states they become involved after 4 weeks. I guess employers may consider the cost, but if his policy states it should have happened, then it is difficult to understand why they haven't. For me, OH stated there was a need for adjustments, but I told work what I considered would help. They considered these and put in writing that they agreed. There are suggestions on this website.

Reply
  • in reply to MolyMCW

    From experience my manager contacted HR who arranged OH. I think that was before I had the first meeting with manager on the phone on one occasion, then I think meetings were weekly to see how I was. The second time I think OH was after a month and I probably had a meeting with my manager first.

    I have googled ACAS and it says employers are not obliged to use OH. Our policy states they become involved after 4 weeks. I guess employers may consider the cost, but if his policy states it should have happened, then it is difficult to understand why they haven't. For me, OH stated there was a need for adjustments, but I told work what I considered would help. They considered these and put in writing that they agreed. There are suggestions on this website.

Children