Occupational health referral - can i decline

Spots82 said:

My line manager wants to refer me to occupational health. Can I decline?

My reasoning is that when I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago my blood sugar was 48. Not ideal but due to it being just in the diabetic diagnosis range combined with my age, outlook, medical history and willingness to engage we (gp and i) decided to try lifestyle changes first before medicine then review in 3 months.

I have lost 10% of my weight already by dietary changes and exercise, reduced my sugar intake significantly, engaged in nutritional re-education.

I have no workplace adjustments required so don't feel occupational health input is needed given my gp involvement.

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I do not know if you can decline, but I'm sure that someone more knowledgeable will tell you. However, my initial thought is : why would you want to? Your company's occupational health person is likely to be a trained nurse. It will be good for you to have a discussion with him/her. I do believe that what happens in that conversation will be confidential.

It is possible that you could use the meeting to make them aware of the feedback from your GP and that you are managing the situation well.
This may reassure them that they do not need to make any adjustments at the moment.

Sometimes we have to play the long game. If you attend the meeting, various people can tick various boxes. You don't have to go along with what they say. I'd just go, be pleasant, and carry on with what I know is right for me.

Spots82 said:

My line manager wants to refer me to occupational health. Can I decline?

My reasoning is that when I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago my blood sugar was 48. Not ideal but due to it being just in the diabetic diagnosis range combined with my age, outlook, medical history and willingness to engage we (gp and i) decided to try lifestyle changes first before medicine then review in 3 months.

I have lost 10% of my weight already by dietary changes and exercise, reduced my sugar intake significantly, engaged in nutritional re-education.

I have no workplace adjustments required so don't feel occupational health input is needed given my gp involvement.

Click to expand...

Hi
Not too sure why type 2 would require an OH visit ?

I never got one when I was dxd, but other companies can/could be more on point or particular .

I suppose, it could be any food breaks required, mmhh.

Either way, I think if offered, I'd now say yes, (intrusive as I think I might have first found one)

Had one after my rta.

Can't have been more understanding.

As said, it's not medical (GP) it's more how the work & workplace can affect you and/or accommodate your needs.

For me I got a improved chair and an understanding some tasks would be beyond me.
(Bending down to reach floor based cupboards for example, was something I couldn't do, and now they knew it so declining was ok )

For the type 2 me, if I had such a visit, I might magine have been around me eating at set times, so any long periods working alone between break would not have been authorised.
As in sudden staff sickness, so my breaks WOULD have to be covered regardless
(Customer facing, so couldn't just go to break when I needed to )

Which might have been useful, if a boss had pushed me to work longer alone ?

Can't say how your job could affect you, but I'd say go along.

A. It's perhaps what a good company does, looks after it valued employees.

B. Maybe there is something
that you feel might be improved that WOULD add to your feeling of well being, whilst at work.

And now would be a good time to raise it (lunch breaks as my example perhaps?)

Or just go, nod and continue as you are, as @Outlier suggests

I guess going, creates less waves than not going, particularly if the firm likes to be seen to be pro active in the OH field & care of staff .

Best of luck, whatever you choose .

Personally I would t decline.. they are basically there to advise the company if any special needs exist

You explain the situation to them, and that you are improving things

And they will report back to your employer

Simple really, I’ve had referrals with my employer and in all cases it was a good experience

I know this is a bit late, and hopefully you have been to your OccHealth assessment.

The assessment has two purposes. Firstly, your employer will get an understanding of three things - how you are affected by your condition day to day, and sporadically/irregularly. They will also get guidance on specific support needed in relation to your condition whether equipment, scheduling, or support such as longer breaks once the report is used to write your written risk assessment, your employer must provide support in line with the Equality Act.

The most important thing you gain is recognised protection from discrimination without having to prove your case. Your employer will not be able to claim ignorance of your conditions and needs if you find it necessary to raise a grievance or Industrial Tribunal case.

Nor can your employer use your disability, or it's impact, in assessing suitability for promotion, changing duties or considering redundancy etc.

I would encourage anyone with "a condition that lasts more than 12 months and has a significant impact on day-to-day life" to request an assessment. And that can be for paid or unpaid work.