Ethics Guidance for Occupational Health Practice 9th Edition - Book - Page 16
Identify legal requirements – determine whether any statutory obligations
apply.
Assess whether sufficient information is available – and seek further
details where needed. Consult colleagues or professional representatives
where appropriate.
Reach and justify a conclusion – apply the available evidence to the principles
and your professional role. Where a definitive conclusion cannot be reached,
state this clearly and be prepared to justify your reasoning to a professional or
statutory body.
This structured approach supports consistency, transparency, and defensible
decision making.
Standard Setting
Role of Professional Regulators
1.12. Professional standards for OH practitioners are overseen by relevant regulators,
including the GMC for doctors, the HCPC for allied health professionals, and the
NMC for nurses. These bodies set expectations relating to consent,
confidentiality, professionalism, and person-centred care.
Faculty of Occupational Medicine
1.13. The FOM sets standards for professional competence in occupational medicine
and expects high standards of ethical and professional behaviour from all
doctors working in OH. Although non-medical practitioners have their own
regulatory frameworks, this guidance aims to promote common ethical
standards across the wider OH workforce 3.
1.14. The ethical landscape of OH practice requires particular attention due to dual
duties to workers and employers, the handling of sensitive clinical information
in non-traditional healthcare environments, the complexity of determining
fitness for work, and the potential financial and employment implications of OH
advice.
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