How to use occupational health services as a small business or charity 

We know running a small business or charity comes with its own set of challenges, and taking care of your team’s health in a cost-effective way is one of them. Occupational health (OH) services are there to help you keep your employees safe, healthy and happy at work, which in turn keeps your organisation running smoothly.

What types of employers use OH services

You might think that these services are only for big companies with deep pockets, but that’s not the case. Ad-hoc OH services will often cost you somewhere in the region of £150 – £250 per referral, depending on exactly what type of service you need and whether you need advice from an OH nurse, associate or actual doctor. Where you’re in need of more regular OH services such as health surveillance, some OH providers offer flexible packages designed for smaller organisations so you can get the support you need without spending a fortune. 

Benefits of OH services

From health check-ups to advice on frequent short-term sickness absence to advice on creating a comfortable workspace, OH services help you stay on top of your legal duties as an employer, whilst creating a healthier work environment. In some cases, OH advice will also help mitigate any potential risks of legal claims from employees where you’re looking to make decisions about someone’s continued employment with you, but they have a diagnosed or suspected health condition or disability. 

Using OH services can help catch potential issues early, preventing things from turning into bigger problems down the line. Good examples of organisations using OH services in a proactive way include offering health check-ups, pre-employment screening and workstation assessments. 

Get expert help

At Marches HR, we know the ins and outs of what small businesses and charities need – and how to get the best from OH services. We can signpost you to some fantastic OH providers who offer prompt, cost-effective services. You can rest assured that we know what ‘good’ looks like. Our Director, Lorna, has previously managed and quality assured high-value OH service provider contracts for some large employers, so we only recommend providers who meet that mark. Get in touch with us today for expert advice by calling 01432 610612 or dropping us a line at info@marcheshr.co.uk