How to Build a Resilient Workplace with Occupational Health Services

Companies across Ireland widely use occupational health services to support employee wellbeing, workplace safety, and business performance. Occupational health covers a wide range of services, including health checks, pre-employment assessments, sickness absence management and return-to-work planning, all designed to help employers ensure their teams remain healthy, well and able to perform at their best at work. We explain what occupational health services are, the types of services available, and how they can benefit employers.

What are Occupational Health Services?

Occupational health services are wellbeing and health supports designed to protect employees' health, safety, and capability in the workplace. They focus on preventing work-related illness, injury, and other medical issues, ensuring employees can carry out their roles safely and effectively. These services provide employers with expert clinical advice on how health conditions, workplace risks or injuries may affect an employee’s ability to work.

Occupational health professionals work closely with employers to manage sickness absence, monitor health risks, support the onboarding of new employees and provide preventative health advice to reduce the risk of future issues. The overall aim of these services is to create a safer working environment, minimise disruption caused by illness or injury, and promote employees' long-term wellbeing.

Which Industries Can Use Occupational Health Services?

Occupational health services can be used by businesses across a wide range of industries. They are particularly beneficial in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and transport, where employees may be exposed to physical risks that could affect their ability to work. They can also be used by organisations in lower-risk environments, including office-based roles, retail and hospitality, to manage sickness absence, support mental wellbeing and ensure staff are fit for their roles. 

Regardless of a company’s industry or size, occupational health services enable employers to take a proactive approach to employee health and ensure their workplaces remain safe and compliant. At Precision Health, we provide a range of occupational health services to employers across Ireland. Companies can choose individual services from our offerings or opt for a complete occupational health package depending on their business needs.

Our occupational health services include pre-employment medical assessments, preventative health advice, health surveillance, sickness absence management, and return-to-work planning. Here is an overview of our services and how they can support a business.

Pre-Employment Medical Assessments

Pre-employment medical assessments help employers determine whether a prospective employee is medically fit to carry out their role safely and effectively. These assessments consider medical history, job requirements and potential workplace health risks. They help identify existing conditions that may require reasonable adjustments, allowing concerns to be addressed early. This reduces the risk of workplace injury, minimises future absence and supports safer, more informed hiring decisions.

Preventative Health Advice

Preventative health advice focuses on reducing the risk of illness and injury before they occur. This includes guidance on workplace ergonomics, lifestyle habits, stress management and overall wellbeing. By offering preventive advice, employers can encourage healthier working practices and reduce common issues such as musculoskeletal pain and stress-related absence. It also promotes a positive wellbeing culture that supports long-term productivity and reduces the likelihood of future health-related disruption.

Health Surveillance

Health surveillance involves ongoing monitoring of employees who may be exposed to specific workplace risks, such as noise, vibration, hazardous substances or physically demanding tasks. Regular checks help identify early signs of work-related illness, allowing action to be taken before conditions worsen. This protects long-term employee health, supports compliance with safety responsibilities, and helps reduce compensation claims, workplace disruption and unnecessary absence.

Sickness Absence Management

Sickness absence management supports employers in managing both short-term and long-term employee absence. Occupational health assessments help identify medical reasons for an absence and provide guidance on supporting an employee's return to work. This may include recommendations for workplace adjustments, phased returns or alternative duties. Effective absence management reduces unnecessary long-term absence, improves communication and supports fair, consistent workplace policies.

Return-to-Work Planning

Return-to-work planning also supports employees returning to work following illness, injury or surgery. Occupational health professionals assess an individual’s fitness for work and provide tailored recommendations to support a safe return. This may include phased schedules, temporary duty changes or workplace adjustments. Return-to-work planning reduces the risk of relapse, supports employee wellbeing and helps employers retain experienced staff while maintaining productivity and continuity.

Benefits of Occupational Health Services for Employers

Implementing occupational health services provides employers with a wide range of benefits. By taking a proactive approach to employee wellbeing, organisations can improve workplace safety, reduce absence, and create healthier, more productive teams.

• Reduced Sickness Absence: Occupational health services can help identify health issues early and provide professional guidance on managing employee absence. This reduces unnecessary long-term absence, shortens recovery periods, and supports safe returns to work. As a result, businesses experience fewer disruptions, improved stability, and better overall productivity.

• Improved Workplace Safety and Compliance: Health surveillance, risk assessments and clinical guidance help employers meet their health and safety responsibilities. By monitoring workplace risks and employee health, businesses can reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries and legal issues, while demonstrating a strong commitment to employee welfare.

• Better Staff Retention and Performance: Employees who feel supported in their health and wellbeing are also much more likely to remain with a company and perform at their best potential. Occupational health services help build trust, improve morale and support long-term employee engagement, leading to lower turnover and a more motivated team.

Occupational Health Services at Precision Health

We provide occupational health services to businesses throughout Ireland, helping employers maintain healthy, safe and productive workplaces. Whether you choose our complete occupational health services package or require individual services such as health surveillance or return-to-work planning, our clinical team will work closely with you to create a solution that meets the specific needs of your business. To find out more about how Precision Health can support your business with our occupational health services, please complete our online enquiry form, call +353 1 910 4024, or email support@precisionhealth.ie for further information.