Occupational Health
Managing the effect of work on health, and of health on work.
Last revised
Key takeaways
- Fit note: can say "may be fit for work" with adjustments
- Employer duty: reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010
- Most useful single change: Ask for a phased return or adjustments rather than a full sign-off.
- Commonest mistake: Waiting until you cannot work at all before raising it.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to get help" below apply to you.
Why it matters
Staying in work is generally better for health than being off, and adjustments are usually simpler than people expect.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Fit note | can say "may be fit for work" with adjustments |
| Employer duty | reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 |
| Access to Work | government scheme funding support and equipment |
| Work-related stress | employers have a legal duty to assess it |
What helps
- Ask for a phased return or adjustments rather than a full sign-off
- Speak to occupational health early rather than at crisis point
- Look into Access to Work for equipment or support funding
- Keep a record of what you have raised and when
What to avoid
- Waiting until you cannot work at all before raising it
- Assuming a fit note means you cannot work at all
- Ignoring symptoms clearly linked to your work
Where to go next
- The Evidence on Occupational Health, Without the Hype
- What Occupational Health Is, and Why It Matters
- NHS Health Check: What the Evidence Actually Says
- What the Guidance Really Says About Cancer Screening Programmes
When to get help
See a GP for any symptom that improves away from work and returns on your return — occupational asthma, dermatitis and noise-induced hearing loss are all reportable and preventable. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, or exposure to a hazardous substance.
Where this comes from
- Health and Safety Executive — work-related ill health
- NHS — Fit note
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.