Occupational Health Policy Template

Occupational Health Policy

Purpose of Occupational Health Policy

The purpose of this Occupational Health Policy is to promote and protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of employees at [Company Name]. This policy sets out the principles and processes for managing workplace health risks, providing occupational health services, supporting employees with health conditions, and ensuring safe return to work after illness or injury.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, temporary staff and volunteers at [Company Name]. It covers workplace health assessments, health surveillance where required, management of work-related illness and injury, adjustments for health needs, and related recordkeeping.

Occupational Health Services and Support

[Company Name] will provide access to occupational health services appropriate to business needs and risks. Services may include health assessments, referrals to external health professionals, counselling support, ergonomic advice, and guidance on long term health conditions. Access to services will be provided in a timely and confidential manner.

Health Surveillance and Assessments

Health surveillance and assessments will be carried out when there is a reasonable risk to employee health from workplace hazards or when required by operational needs. Employees will be informed of the purpose and nature of any assessment before it takes place. Participation may be required where assessments are necessary to protect employee health.

Workplace Risk and Hazard Management

[Company Name] will identify and assess workplace health risks and implement control measures to reduce or eliminate those risks. Managers will work with HR and safety teams to ensure risk assessments are current and that control measures are reviewed following incidents, changes in work practices, or new health information.

Return to Work and Reasonable Adjustments

Employees returning to work after illness or injury will receive a structured return to work plan where appropriate. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support an employee to perform their role safely. Adjustments may include temporary changes to duties, working hours, equipment, or workstation modifications. Decisions on adjustments will consider operational requirements and the employee's health needs.

Confidentiality and Recordkeeping

Health information will be treated as confidential and stored securely by HR and occupational health providers. Access to health records will be limited to those with a legitimate need to know. Personal health data will be retained in accordance with [Company Name] record retention practices and applicable data handling requirements.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and report any work-related health concerns, symptoms or incidents to their manager or HR. Employees should participate in required health assessments and provide accurate information to occupational health professionals to enable appropriate support.

Manager Responsibilities

Managers must proactively support the health and wellbeing of their teams, ensure risk controls are implemented, promptly report health concerns, and facilitate access to occupational health services. Managers should engage with HR and occupational health advice when planning adjustments or return to work arrangements.

HR Responsibilities

HR will coordinate occupational health services, maintain confidential health records, advise managers on policy application, and support the approval of reasonable adjustments. HR will also monitor absence trends and work with leadership to address systemic health risks.

Approval Process

Requests for occupational health interventions, adjustments, or exceptions must be submitted to HR. HR will review requests in consultation with the employee's manager and, where appropriate, occupational health providers. Approval decisions will be based on medical advice, operational impact, and available resources. Documentation of the decision and any agreed actions will be recorded and communicated to the employee and relevant managers.

Non-Compliance

Failure to follow this policy may result in corrective actions. Non-compliance by employees may lead to disciplinary measures if they fail to attend required assessments, provide necessary information, or follow agreed health and safety requirements. Managers who do not implement necessary controls or who fail to support required adjustments may face management action in line with [Company Name] policies.

Note

This Occupational Health Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in operational needs or best practice. Employees should contact HR for clarification or to discuss any health related concerns or requests for support.