Management Referrals

A Management Referral is a type of Occupational Health Assessment, which can also be known as an Occupational Health Referral or Employer Referral. It is used when an employer needs medical advice about how an employee’s health may be affecting their work – or how work may be affecting their health.

For employees, referrals offer a fair and confidential assessment, with practical guidance on adjustments that can help them remain safe and productive at work. For employers, they provide clear, objective advice to support informed decisions, safeguard wellbeing, and meet legal responsibilities.

When is a Management Referral Needed?

A referral may be appropriate when:

• There are concerns that an employee may have work-related health problems, or that their health is being aggravated by work tasks.
• Support is needed for return-to-work planning after absence following a serious illness or injury or in relation to a disability.
• Workplace adjustments may help the employee stay in their role safely and comfortably.
• There may be underlying ill health or disability contributing to performance concerns.
• There is long-term or frequent sickness absence.
• There are pregnancy-related health concerns that may affect work.

An assessment by an occupational health practitioner (such as a doctor or nurse) provides independent, objective medical advice to help managers make informed and fair decisions.

If you are unsure if a referral is appropriate, please contact Safewell Occupational Health for guidance. Referrals can often be discussed with, initiated, and supported by your Human Resource (HR) team.

How to Make a Referral

Making a Management Referral with Safewell is straightforward – all you need to do is get in touch with us. We’ll then explain exactly what information is needed and support you through the process.

We’ll guide you through completing a referral form with the employee, providing key details such as their job role, the issue at hand, and the specific questions you’d like our occupational health professional to address.

An appointment is then made (face-to-face or by telephone/Teams) for us to talk with the employee. The appointment is made by the employer, but is carried out in confidence with the employee.

Following this, a report is produced for the employer which may include guidance on fitness for work, workplace adjustments, or steps to support a safe and sustainable return to their role.

For more information, see our Management Referral webpage.