Occupational Health referral

[riverdale2020]

Hi I have been off work sick since the beginning of Feb and I have now been referred to OH. Im feeling really anxious about it can anyone advise me on what sort of questions they ask. I feel really stressed about been off sick during a pandemic when there are job losses in my work.

First of all don't panic occy health are there to support you. Yes the goal is to get you into work but with all the correct support.

You haven't said why you are off? Although it doesn't really matter. I was off long term through I'll health after I hurt my back but was also going through a number of personal issues including my dad dying of cancer and a marriage and not long having a baby. They helped by referring to counselling etc and I was not once judged if that's what you worry about.

Depending on situation is how it affects sickness record. You are always best going seeing them and also discuss if your work can be adapted if necessary
Hope you are OK

They are there to support you and discuss if there is anything they can do to help. They will ask about the reason you have been off sick, is it chronic or something likely to continue or return, does it affect your ability to do your job, are you waiting for specialist treatment, do you intend to return to work, would you need any adjustments at work. What sort of job do you do. Who referred you. IME the oh doctor and examined me when I was on longterm sick waiting for a shoulder op. He declared I was unfit to work in my particular role.

When I had an occupational health assessment it was all about how I was affected and what support I needed. It was massively helpful as they recommended things like more WFH days and some other helpful stuff.

I was also able to tick a box to say I wanted to see the report before it went to my employer, so I could check it was right.

I’d been having problems with an issue relating to my work premises - my manager got it and was trying to get it sorted but facilities and HR were moving glacially. The occ health person wrote a very clear explanation of ‘it’s no wonder she can’t do X when Y is a problem’ which made me feel sooo validated.

Try not to worry - I hope it goes really well.

Hi thank you both for the advice.
Its a long term illness and I might need to be off in the near future for more treatment. Im worried that my employer will use this as a reason to sack me as we are having job losses.

If it’s a long term illness you probably are disabled under the equality act so they’d be on shaky ground if they sacked you specifically because of that.

I’m so sorry you’re feeling so worried.

One thing I found helpful was to write down key things I wanted to mention eg about how I’m affected and what helps so I could make sure I mentioned them during the consult (mine was by phone)

How long have you worked there, are you classed as disabled. In my role my manager suggested I consider leaving on medical grounds but it was an injury that responded to treatment. Do you want to go back to work. I was entitled to 6 months full pay then 6 months half pay.

Ive been there 18 years. Yes I want to go back when I feel ready, missing having some normality in my life so will be great to get back.

Good luck. Try not to worry. Wanting to get back is a positive.