Knowing what not to say to occupational health in the UK can help you communicate clearly during an occupational health assessment. Occupational health professionals are there to understand how your health may affect your work and what support or adjustments could help you remain in work.
An occupational health appointment is not usually about giving the “right” answers. It is an opportunity to explain your situation honestly and provide relevant information about how your health affects your ability to carry out your role.
What Should You Avoid Saying to Occupational Health?
There are several things you should avoid during an occupational health assessment. This does not mean hiding information. Instead, focus on being accurate, specific and relevant to your work.
1. Avoid exaggerating your symptoms
It is important to describe your symptoms honestly. Avoid making your condition sound worse than it is simply because you are worried about work.
For example, saying that you are “unable to do anything at all” when you can complete some tasks may create an inaccurate picture. Explain which activities you can manage and which ones cause difficulties.
Specific information is generally more useful than extreme statements.
2. Do not hide important health information
You should not deliberately leave out information that is relevant to your ability to work. Occupational health needs enough information to understand your circumstances and provide appropriate workplace advice.
If a particular symptom affects your concentration, mobility, attendance, sleep or ability to complete certain tasks, explain this clearly.
You do not necessarily need to provide every personal detail about your life. Focus on information that is relevant to your health and work.
3. Avoid making unsupported accusations
If you have problems with your manager or workplace, explain what happened using factual examples rather than making broad accusations.
Instead of saying, “My manager is deliberately trying to get rid of me,” explain what was said or done, when it happened and how it affected your work.
This gives the occupational health professional clearer information without asking them to determine who is right or wrong in a workplace dispute.
4. Do not guess medical information
If you do not know the name of a diagnosis, medication or medical treatment, it is better to say that you are unsure.
Avoid guessing about your medical condition or making claims about what a particular symptom definitely means. Your GP, consultant or other healthcare professional can provide medical diagnosis and treatment.
Occupational health is mainly concerned with the relationship between your health and your work.
5. Avoid saying that you can never return to work unless that is accurate
If you are struggling at work, explain the specific difficulties rather than making absolute statements without context.
For example, you could explain that certain duties, working hours, physical activities or workplace conditions are currently difficult for you.
This allows occupational health to consider whether adjustments or other workplace support may be appropriate.
6. Do not agree to something you cannot realistically manage
During an assessment, be realistic about what you can and cannot do.
If you believe you could return to work with changes, explain what those changes might look like. These could include altered duties, different working hours, additional breaks or a gradual return, depending on your circumstances and professional advice.
Do not agree to a workload simply because you feel pressured to appear capable.
How Should You Talk to Occupational Health?
The best approach is to be honest, factual and specific.
Before your appointment, think about:
- Your main symptoms and how they affect your work
- Which duties are difficult
- What you can still do comfortably
- Any treatment or medical advice you are following
- How your attendance or performance has been affected
- Whether particular workplace adjustments could help
- Any questions you want to ask
You can also keep notes about your symptoms and work difficulties if you find it difficult to remember details during the assessment.
Can Occupational Health Tell Your Employer Everything?
Occupational health reports generally focus on information relevant to work, such as functional limitations, fitness for work and possible workplace adjustments. The exact information shared with an employer depends on the circumstances and the consent and confidentiality arrangements that apply.
If you are concerned about what will be included in a report, ask the occupational health professional about confidentiality and how the assessment will be used before discussing sensitive information.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what not to say to occupational health in the UK does not mean trying to prepare answers that will produce a particular outcome. The most useful approach is to give accurate information about your health, your work and the difficulties you are experiencing.
Avoid exaggeration, guessing, unsupported accusations and absolute statements that do not accurately describe your situation. Instead, use clear examples and explain what you can and cannot currently manage.
For more practical information on workplace wellbeing, health and making informed decisions about your health, visit Spark Your Health for further guidance and resources.
FAQs
Should I tell occupational health everything?
You should provide relevant and accurate information about health issues that affect your work. Ask about confidentiality if you are unsure what information may be shared.
Can I refuse to answer an occupational health question?
You can ask why a question is relevant and how the information will be used. The implications of not providing relevant information may depend on the assessment and your employer's process.
Should I tell occupational health about problems with my manager?
If workplace issues are affecting your health or ability to work, explain the relevant facts and give specific examples rather than making unsupported claims.
Can occupational health diagnose my condition?
Occupational health may assess how a health condition affects your ability to work, but diagnosis and treatment are normally handled by your GP or other treating healthcare professionals.
What should I take to an occupational health assessment?
Consider taking details of relevant symptoms, treatment, medical advice, work duties and any workplace difficulties you want to discuss.
