Sickness Absence &
Management Referrals
An employees health problems can affect work performance and productivity. Particularly if the employee is frequently absent from work.
How we can help
One of our key roles, which is one with considerable cost benefit to your business is Sickness & Absence Management.
An employees health problems can affect work, performance and productivity. Particularly if the employee is frequently absent from work.
If the line manager or member of HR is concerned about an employee’s health and subsequent attendance they can make a referral to one of our OH advisors.
As a result of the referral our OH team can provide written advice to line managers/HR (E.g.Recommendations for a phased ‘Return to work’ or alternative duties). This advice will be able to assist employees and employers with their health problems.
Managerial responsibilities
A managers responsibilities for a referral will depend on their organisation’s Sickness & Absence Policy. Employees should be made aware of the reasons for a referral to an OH advisor, and their consent is required prior to the consultation taking place.
It is also important the manager makes our OH team fully aware of all the relevant facts about a case. This is to ensure objective advice is given, based on the understanding of the issues of concern to the referring manager.
Our Management Referral Form is designed to help managers and/or HR provide sufficient information. With a goal to specify the type of advice they are seeking when making a referral for an OH advisor consultation.
Occupational Health Advisor Consultations
An appointment with an advisor will be made within 3 to 5 days of receipt of the referral. The advisor can either see the employee at our office or their place of work. The consultation includes a written report. Reports are provided within 24 hours of the appointment.
If necessary, an immediate verbal report can be provided if Consent from the employee has been obtained.
The employee has three options regarding the report:
Option One – They do not wish to receive a copy of the report.
Option Two – They receive a copy of the report at the same time as their employer.
Option Three – They receive a copy of the report before it is supplied to their employer. *Please note that only factual errors will be rectified – The OHAs will not change their medical opinion.
