Returning to work after sickness absence isn’t always straightforward. Even when an employee says they’re fine, there may be underlying health, personal, or work factors that influence their ability to settle back in. Understanding the wider context and supporting a gradual, well-informed return helps prevent issues recurring and promotes a safe, sustainable return to work.

Medicines, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, can affect workplace safety, productivity, and attendance. Side effects like fatigue or dizziness may impact certain roles, while polypharmacy adds complexity. Individualised occupational health assessments help employees manage treatment safely, ensuring work duties and health needs are balanced effectively.

Occupational health consultations are confidential, but sharing agreed recommendations with the workplace can be key to supporting both employee wellbeing and business needs. This blog explains how consent works, what’s included in an occupational health report, and why collaboration benefits everyone involved.

Health issues inevitably show up in the workplace, but who’s responsible for managing them? This article explores shared responsibility for workplace health, why it’s often overlooked, and how organisations and individuals can take proactive steps to protect wellbeing and productivity at work.

Written by and imagery provided by Dr Hannah Lock | The Mountain Doctor Table of contents Physical Fitness: A foundation for safety and performance Altitude Acclimatization and Adaptation  Technical and Environmental Proficiency  Mental Fitness and Resilience Medical Competency in Remote Settings Dr Hannah Lock | The Mountain Doctor I’m Dr Hannah Lock, a portfolio career doctor. Alongside my role as an NHS Emergency Medicine Speciality Doctor, I work as an Expedition Doctor s

A new mindset for workplace resilience Written by and photography by Dave Gallagher, CPsychol | Cognitive Neuroscientist & Adventure Psychologist. Table of Contents A more adventurous workplace Rewilding mental health Who dares...takes control Turn on, tune in, get excited Reignite the spark The reward for embracing uncertainty can be spectacular! A More Adventurous Workplace You’re having a bad day at the office. The pressure is mounting. A tough decision looms. There’s risk

Women’s participation in the workforce has transformed over the past century, but many workplaces still fall short when it comes to supporting women’s health. In this article, Dr. Lara Shemtob explores how organisations can create environments where women thrive — from inclusive health policies to occupational health expertise, and why understanding women’s health is essential for a productive, diverse workforce.

The Chester Step Test (CST) is a safe and reliable way to measure aerobic fitness and work readiness for physically demanding or safety-critical roles. Used across industries such as construction, emergency services, and offshore work, it helps employers assess capability, promote safety, and support employees in meeting essential fitness standards.

Cannabis-based medicines are now available on prescription in the UK, but what does this mean for the workplace? In this blog, Dr Lara Shemtob explains when cannabis can be prescribed, what side effects may be relevant to work, and how employers can manage prescribed cannabis safely and fairly. With practical tips and real-life examples, we explore how occupational health can support organisations in navigating this complex but important topic.

Menopause and perimenopause can significantly affect women in the workplace, yet many feel unable to discuss their symptoms with managers. From hot flushes to sleep disturbance and difficulties with concentration, the impact can be profound. Occupational health plays a vital role in bridging this gap—providing confidential support, signposting to treatment, and recommending workplace adaptations that help women thrive at work.

The rise of new weight loss medicines, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, is changing how obesity is managed in the UK. But these treatments don’t just affect personal health – they can also impact workplace safety, performance, and wellbeing. Here’s what employers and employees need to know, and how occupational health can help.

In our latest blog, Dr Lara Shemtob sits down with Dr Andy Sproston, Chief Medical Officer at Insight Workplace Health. From his early career ambitions in surgery to leading clinical strategy in occupational health, Dr Sproston shares insights on supporting health at work, developing future specialists, and the importance of leadership in a growing field.

Insight Workplace Health is proud to appoint Dr Andy Sproston as Chief Medical Officer. A practicing physician and respected leader in occupational medicine, Dr Sproston will provide strategic clinical leadership, champion governance and quality, and help shape the future of Insight’s services.

The Control of Lead at Work (CLAW) Regulations require employers to monitor and manage lead exposure risks. HSE-appointed doctors must report blood lead levels annually and review site practices, including health surveillance, RPE use, PPE laundering, and employee training. Insight Workplace Health can support with biological monitoring, site visits, and Discovery Audits to help you meet your obligations.

Health surveillance is a legal requirement.  It is an important part of occupational health as it identifies any health and safety issues...

Discover practical ways to support neurodivergent employees and build a more inclusive, productive workplace. From training to tailored accommodations, learn how small changes can make a big difference.

Looking to improve health, safety, and productivity at work? Discover 5 simple ergonomic practices you can implement today. From adjusting workstations to encouraging movement, these tips can reduce injuries and boost wellbeing.

Applying ergonomics in the workplace helps prevent injuries, enhances comfort, and boosts productivity—creating a safer, healthier environment for everyone.

What rights do employees have when it comes to their occupational health records? From access requests and data correction to how disagreements with clinical opinions are handled, maintaining gold-standard OH records requires compliance with both GDPR and healthcare-specific ethical standards. Learn what best practice looks like in real-world scenarios.

Occupational health professionals apply the core medical ethical principles—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—to guide their practice. These principles help balance the needs of individuals and organisations, ensuring that health recommendations are ethically sound, confidential, and focused on preventing harm. Understanding these concepts can help employers and employees navigate complex workplace health decisions more confidently.