From On-site to On Demand: Which OH Service Fits Your Business?

Occupational Health (OH) Services — A Practical Guide for UK Employers

If you’re still deciding which OH service is right for your organisation, you might want to check out my checklist and guide to choosing the perfect fit too.

Occupational Health Services: Know Your Options

Many businesses know that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends occupational health (OH) support when health issues arise in the workplace — but few understand what OH actually is. With concerns ranging from stress and absence to obesity and substance use, it’s easy to assume OH is just an extension of NHS care. It’s not.

Occupational health is a distinct clinical specialty focused on how work affects health — and how health affects work. Its core function is to assess whether employees are fit for their roles, especially in safety-critical jobs, and to monitor health risks from workplace exposures like noise, chemicals, dust, and shift work. This is what I call pure OH.

While many OH providers offer add-ons like wellbeing programmes or attendance management, these should never replace their primary legal and clinical duty: protecting employees from work-related harm and ensuring fitness for work. If your OH service isn’t doing that, it’s not doing the right thing.

This guide will help you understand the basics of what OH should deliver, what’s optional, and how to choose a service that meets your legal obligations and supports your workforce effectively.

🔍 What OH Really Is (and Isn’t)

Occupational health is not a one-size-fits-all wellbeing perk. It’s a strategic function that helps employers:

• Identify and manage health risks in the workplace
• Support employees with health conditions
• Ensure fitness for specific roles
• Comply with legal duties around health surveillance and risk management

4 Types of OH Providers Available

The UK OH landscape includes a mix of private companies, NHS services, and specialist providers. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Private OH Firms

These dominate the market and range from large national providers to small consultancies. Some focus purely on OH; others are part of broader health or insurance groups.

What credentials to look for in potential OH service providers to narrow down your choices:

• Experience in your sector (e.g. manufacturing, construction, local government)
• Accreditation via SEQOHS (managed by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine)
• Evidence of clear communication (via all interactions) and actionable reports (ask for some example reports)
• Testimonials or case studies – take up references before committing.

2. NHS OH Services

All UK hospitals have OH services but these are primarily for NHS staff,  and not usually available to external employers — though some trusts offer limited commercial services locally.

3. Specialist OH Providers

These focus on one or two specific risks like asbestos, noise, or chemical exposure. Ideal for high-risk industries needing targeted surveillance and compliance support. Also able to provide bulk health surveillance programmes such as display screen equipment sets ups and disability assessments.

4. Bundled Services

Some OH providers are part of larger health or insurance groups, offering packages that include OH, employee assistance programmes (EAPs), and corporate health insurance. This can be cost-effective, but OH may not be their core focus.

Here’s a summary of the different models:

Provider Type	Typical Services	Best For	Watch Outs
Private OH Firms	Health surveillance, management referrals, EAPs	SMEs, large employers	Varying quality — due diligence needed
NHS OH	Internal support for NHS staff	NHS trusts	Limited external availability
Specialist OH	Asbestos, noise, chemical exposure, ergonomic risks	High-risk industries	May not offer wellbeing extras
Bundled Services	OH + insurance + EAP	Cost-effective packages	OH may not be core business

Watch the Video on Occupational Health

Services You Might Need

Depending on your risks and workforce, OH services can include:

• Pre-placement screening
• Health surveillance (e.g. for noise, chemicals, vibration)
• Management referrals
• Absence management
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Ill-health retirement assessments
• Display screen equipment (DSE) checks
• Wellbeing programmes (e.g. smoking cessation, blood pressure days)
• Stress management and manager training
• Travel health
• Disability assessments

Differentiation

Differentiating between the private OH providers, especially the bigger or National companies— goes beyond just size. While their core service offerings (health surveillance programmes, management referrals, health surveillance, EAP, etc.) are similar, their unique selling propositions (USPs) often lie in their heritage, strategic focus, technological advancements, or target client segments. This is where you will be able to exercise your choice through comparative tendering to measure their differences or a presentation. What am I saying? A company that has been operating for many years and holds many large contracts it will probably have the experience to deal with a national business. Whereas as a start up may be still learning the ropes.

Understanding these nuances will be key to deciding which provider best aligns with your specific needs and organisational culture.

So, it is important to assess your own business risks by conducting an audit of where you are and where you need more medical input.  To see this in detail go to my blog how to choose the provider that meets your own legal responsibilities and employees health needs.

Final Thought

Choosing an OH provider isn’t just a tick-box exercise — it’s a strategic decision that affects your people, your compliance, your bottom line, and your culture. The right provider will help you prevent harm, support recovery, and build a healthier workplace from the inside out.

If you’re unsure where to start:

• The Society of Occupational Medicine offers a free directory of accredited OH providers.
•  The Faculty of Occupational Medicine manages SEQOHS which offers a searchable list of accredited OH services under the supervision of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine

Further Information

❓Employee Guide on Going to Occupational Health (video)

If you want help deciding on your ideal OH service, contact me using this form

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