Anyone been referred to Occupational Health by their employer?

Alleycat

Hi all,

Just wanted to know if anyone had been referred to OH by their employers and if so, could you tell me what it entails?

I have been off sick for the past few weeks (this is my third week off) due to PND and stress from tackling a bully at work. I have made a formal complaint about her and had an interview with my manager and HR. It was HR that asked to refer me. I just said yes, as it can't be too scarey, but now I am really nervous. One of the problems I have at the moment, is that I feel really sick and worried about even the smallest thing regarding work and although I know there shouldn't be anything to worry about, I can't help it. I guess it would help to have an idea of what sort of things the advisor will ask and how I should deal with it.

The appointment is at 2pm, but I have to get dd to nursery first and do a couple of things in town, so not too much time to brood. I was okay about it a week ago, but now I am feeling so sick and panicky.

Thanks,

Alleycat

Bagpuss1973

Hi Alleycat

I don't think it is anything to worry about. Not had the experience myself but OH are there to help you not be nasty to you. They will try and liase between yourself and your workplace for a better environment.

Goodluck

Bagpussx

hjb123

Hi,

I was referred to the OH person at my work a couple of years ago. I had been off for a couple of months and they spoke with me a few times to see how I was, what they could do for me and how the employer could help with the illness etc. They also asked me to sign a medical form thing that allowed them to ask my GP for his opinion.

It was nothing bad and the person I dealt with was lovely and understanding (even if the employer wasnt!)

Alleycat

Thanks.

Do you know if this sort of thing goes on your employment record? I am hoping to move soon as I need to be near my family and am starting to job hunt. I just worry that because I have been ill and referred to OH, then it could jeopardise this.

seven-day-weekend

Both myself and my husband have been referred to OH. They were really helpful. My husband was referred to a private psychiatrist, who was also helpful, I was asked if I wanted to see a counsellor, which I accepted. Our employers paid for these. They have also been extremely helpful to a friend of mine regarding workplace bullying.

Their role really is to liaise with your employers so that they can provide you with a safe working environment. This may take many forms depending on what your illness/disability is.

They are there to help you.

Alleycat

To be honest, there isn't really a great deal that my employers can do to make me feel happier at work. They have suggested moving the bullier temporarily to another office which I think was why they wanted to refer me to OH and in part this would be an agreeable solution. But.... I worry that colleagues will blame me and I will still feel uncomfortable. Part of me knows that there is only one other person who supports the bullier and when she is not in there is a totally different atmosphere in the office, but that might change if she is moved. Sorry, not explaining myself very well!

I am very lucky in that my manager is very supportive, but she has is trying to run several offices at the moment and is so stretched. According to my friend, she is at one of the offices pretty much full time at the moment, so when I think about going back, I feel very vulnerable as she is not there if needed. I also don't think this woman would be as inclined to start if the manager is there.

Buttercup

I have been to OH a number of times, I have found them very kind and helpful. I have always felt that they are on my side putting my health first.
Hope everything goes well

msmicawber

I have been referred to the firm's private doctor in the past which, I think, is similar. I had been signed off for stress and anxiety, some of which was caused by problems at work. I found it very useful as he was helpful and kind and advised the firm to reduce my hours and put me back in my original post (the main two things at work that were causing me problems and which I had asked for that they said weren't possible). As soon as the Dr recommended it, the firm did it as it was on professional advice. The daft thing was that it cost them however much they pay for a private doctor to recommend what I'd told them would sort my problems out!

Please don't worry about it as it is more likely to be of assistance to you than otherwise.

Best wishes.