Ethics Guidance for Occupational Health Practice 9th Edition - Book - Page 17
International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH)
1.15. ICOH provides international leadership on ethics in OH practice and publishes
the International Code of Ethics for Occupational Health Professionals. 4
Occupational Health and the Law
1.16. OH practice is shaped by a substantial and complex legal framework, which
varies across jurisdictions. This guidance highlights areas where legal and
ethical considerations intersect, but it is not a substitute for legal
advice. OH professionals must comply with the law but also uphold ethical
standards, seeking peer support or legal counsel when tensions arise. It is
neither practicable nor appropriate to attempt to produce even a
comprehensive summary of the law in a document such as this and reference
should be made to a standard text and online resource. 5
Human Rights / Employment Rights
1.17. Human rights frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
and the UK Human Rights Act 1998 6, underpin the ethical and legal context in
which OH practice operates. These rights must be balanced with the needs of
society. These principles emphasise dignity, autonomy, fairness, and the
protection of individuals’ fundamental freedoms. OH professionals must
uphold these rights while also balancing them with the legitimate needs of
employers, wider society, and the functioning of workplaces.
1.18. OH practice also operates within a dynamic employment law landscape.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 7 introduces a significant expansion of worker
protections, including strengthened rights related to sick pay, parental and
family leave, protection from unfair dismissal, and broader measures designed
to support employee wellbeing. These developments shape the context in
which OH advice is given, particularly around workplace adjustments, fitness for
work, sickness absence, and the fair treatment of workers.
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