What is Occupational Health and Why Does it Matter?

Define occupational health and explain why it's the focus of a dedicated awareness week
Distinguish occupational health from general healthcare and from other workplace functions such as health and safety or HR
Recognise the core services occupational health provides, including health surveillance, fitness-for-work assessments, and management referrals
Understand how occupational health supports both employers and employees, from prevention through to safe return-to-work
Identify how to raise awareness of occupational health in their own workplace and where to go for further support

Occupational health is often misunderstood, yet it plays a vital role in keeping people safe, well, and productive at work. Held as part of Occupational Health Awareness Week and led by Diane Whitefoot, our Occupational Health Nurse Senior Advisor, this session offers a clear and accessible introduction to what occupational health is, what it involves, and the difference it makes for both employers and employees.

Cutting through the jargon, Diane will explain how occupational health supports people throughout their working lives; from preventing work-related ill health and carrying out health surveillance, to supporting those managing health conditions and helping people return to work safely after illness or injury. Whether you're an employer, manager, or employee, you'll come away with a practical understanding of how occupational health works and why it matters, reflecting the spirit of the week in raising the profile of a service that quietly protects the workforce every day.

About our speaker

Diane Whitefoot
RGN, PGDip, SCPHN (OH)

Occupational Health Nurse Senior Advisor

Diane Whitefoot is Occupational Health Nurse Senior Advisor at Insight Workplace Health and a qualified Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Occupational Health), with four decades of experience in healthcare and occupational health. Her clinical expertise spans occupational health assessments, health surveillance, workplace ergonomics, pre-placement screening and HAVS assessments.

Alongside her clinical work, Diane has held leadership roles supporting clinical teams and delivering occupational health services to organisations across a wide range of sectors — from manufacturing and construction to professional services.

Your People. Your Wellbeing. Our Insight.

What is Occupational Health and Why Does it Matter?

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