Frequently Asked Questions

What is occupational health?

Occupational health keeps your workforce physically and mentally healthy at work, ensures that safe are working safely, and helps to identify and manage health risks in the workplace. The aim of occupational health is to maximise the health, wellbeing and productivity of staff whilst minimising the impact of poor health and sickness absence to the business. Occupational health encompasses a broad range of services from absence management to health surveillance and health promotion. You can find out more about these services by visiting our service pages.

Does my business need occupational health?

Simply – yes. All businesses regardless of size or industry can benefit from having an occupational health provider, even if they only use their services infrequently. Businesses also have a duty in law to prevent physical and mental ill health in their workforce. An OH provider can help businesses to be proactive rather than reactive to health issues, to understand the risks in their workplace, to implement health and safety measures, and to implement strategies to improve health and wellbeing and reduce days lost due to illness and increase the bottom line.

Can I book a one-off service with D4Health?

Yes you can – any service can be purchased on a pay-as-you-go basis, although we recommend that businesses open a free business account as this provides discounted rates, simply monthly invoicing and other benefits.

Can I book multiple services at once?

Yes you can – any service can be purchased on a pay-as-you-go basis, although we recommend that businesses open a free business account as this provides discounted rates, simply monthly invoicing and other benefits.

Can you help me if I’m not sure exactly what service my business needs?

Absolutely – occupational health is a broad field and for many businesses a totally unfamiliar one. Our advisors will ask questions about your business and your requirements, and then explain the features and benefits of any services which may be relevant to you. We also have access to experienced OH nurses and doctors who can deal with any clinical queries you may have.

What is an occupational health physician?

An occupational health physician or OHP is a specialist doctor who has completed specific training in occupational health and is therefore qualified to assess employees in a workplace context. This training enables them to assess and provide medical opinion as to whether an employee is fit for work and whether any discrimination or equality legislation is applicable to their case.

Will a management referral give us a diagnosis?

The purpose of a management referral is not to diagnose but to advise. The doctor will assess the employee and their history to understand their illness and the impact it is having on their work. If an undiagnosed condition is suspected, then a GP or consultant will be required to make this assessment. The value in a management referral is that it is independent advice, outside of the patient-GP relationship which takes into consideration the employers’ requirements and concerns.