Occupational Health Awareness Week (OHAW24) kicks off on Monday, 23 September, initiating vital conversations about the importance of occupational health (OH) in the workplace. Facilitated by the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM), the week highlights the essential role OH plays in safeguarding employees’ health and reducing long-term absences.
In the UK construction industry, where workers are exposed to high-risk environments daily, the value of OH cannot be overstated. According to SOM research, OH is the most effective tool for managing long-term absence, a significant issue for construction, where both physical and mental health challenges are prevalent. The most common workplace health issues in the sector are musculoskeletal conditions—caused by repetitive manual work and heavy lifting—and mental health problems, which are exacerbated by high-pressure environments and job insecurity. We need to do more to focus on early intervention and keeping people in work.
OH professionals collaborate with both staff and employers to develop tailored solutions that prevent workplace harm and support workers’ health. By implementing measures like regular health surveillance, these services ensure that employees can continue working safely, even when health concerns arise. OH interventions have also proven effective in helping workers with disabilities or long-term conditions stay in their jobs, ultimately improving productivity. SOM’s 2022 report found that every £1 invested in OH results in a £1.93 saving in absenteeism costs and £2.35 in medical expenses.
As Jennie Armstrong, founder of our organisation, notes:
“Occupational health services are essential for the UK construction industry. Our workers face unique challenges, and we need to protect them not just today, but for the future. With a skills shortage, proactive health management is crucial.”
This #OHAW24, we encourage UK contractors to reflect on their OH programmes. Are you complying with legal requirements? Are you actively managing ill-health? Download our free Occupational Health Strategy Checklist to ensure you’re protecting your workforce effectively HERE.
