Occupational Health Risk Assessment
Occupational Health
Risk Assessment
Occupational Health Risk Assessments (OHRA)
Why an Occupational Health Risk Assessment is Essential
Under Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance, occupational health support must always be risk-based. This means that before we can recommend or quote for any health surveillance or other occupational health services, we first need to complete an Occupational Health Risk Assessment (OHRA).
This step is important because:
- It ensures we understand the actual risks your employees may face in your specific workplace environment.
- It identifies which health surveillance requirements (if any) are appropriate under current health and safety law.
- It helps clarify your legal responsibilities and compliance needs.
- It ensures any recommendations we make are targeted, effective, and cost-efficient.
According to the HSE, health surveillance and occupational health support should be based on the findings of a risk assessment rather than assumptions about what may be needed. You can read more about this guidance on the HSE website here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/health-surveillance/occupational-health/buying-support-from-professionals.htm
How the Process Works
At Safewell, our structured Occupational Health Risk Assessment process helps your business and ours make informed decisions about workplace health services.
Here’s what happens:
- Initial Consultation
We start by speaking with your designated Health & Safety contact. We discuss your business, your industry and your working processes to build a picture of how your teams work and what hazards might exist. - Risk Identification
Based on that conversation – and any documentation you can provide (e.g. existing risk assessments) – we identify the occupational health risks your employees may be exposed to. - Assessment Report & Proposal
We then prepare a clear proposal detailing:- The specific risks identified
- The recommended occupational health services and why they are appropriate
- Estimated costs and timelines for delivery
You remain in control of what is undertaken. We provide clear recommendations, and you decide which services to proceed with.
Why We Carry Out an OHRA Before Quoting
Some organisations contact us expecting an immediate quote for health surveillance without having first looked at risk. However, providing a meaningful and compliant quote without understanding the risks would be like trying to treat an illness without knowing the symptoms — the solution may not fit the problem.
An Occupational Health Risk Assessment ensures:
- We don’t recommend unnecessary services
- You aren’t quoted for work that isn’t legally required
- The services you do choose are based on evidence and sound risk identification
- The outcome supports both health, safety and compliance — not guesswork
This is the most efficient and transparent way to deliver occupational health support.
Supporting Your Health & Safety Obligations
Once the OHRA is complete and you decide how you want to proceed, Safewell can help with:
- Health surveillance programmes
- Health assessments and fitness for work checks
- Training and awareness support
- Long-term occupational health planning
We’re here to help you manage health risks responsibly — and to make the process straightforward.
