The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) will be hosting a number of events next week to help promote Occupational Health Awareness.
The week of awareness raising will take place from Monday, 23 September, through Friday, 27 September. Among other activities, SOM will publish a guide on how employers should choose and evaluate products and services that promote wellbeing at work.
In light of the recent Darzi Review of the NHS, the society will also look to emphasize the importance of occupational health in managing long-term absences from work. The Darzi review into the NHS highlighted the importance for the NHS to prioritise preventative healthcare as well as reactive care.
The Institute for Public Policy Research’s cross-party Commission on Health and Prosperity warned in a report that up to 4.3 million people may be out of work by 2029 due to sickness and poor health.
This is another area where occupational health professionals can make a real difference.
Nick Pahl, SOM’s chief executive, said ahead of the week: “Occupational Health supports individuals in maintaining and protecting their wellbeing as well as preventing illness and injury.
He added, “With a record number of people quitting the workforce due to sickness, we need to prioritise interventions, and provide evidence-based support, so more people can remain in work, or return.
More detail about the activities planned for the week can be found at https://www.som.org.uk/ohaw
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