Ethics Guidance for Occupational Health Practice 9th Edition - Book - Page 27
2.35. The occupational health professional’s responsibility as an employee or
contractor may clash with a greater concern for public health or the
environment. In such circumstances a public interest disclosure may be
considered. It would be rare to make such a disclosure without having discussed
matters fully with the organisation concerned (see section on Leadership and
Management). Before making a disclosure, it would be prudent to discuss the
circumstances with senior colleagues and with the relevant professional
indemnity organisation.
2.36. Disclosures of this type may attract legal protection, such as that conferred in
the UK by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 14. Although this Act in itself
has not been updated, there has been subsequent legislation e.g. Public
Interest Disclosure (prescribed Person’s) Amendment Order 22. The Public
Disclosure 1988 on the Government UK website provides any revisions on a
regular basis. The Act covers a situation where a worker reasonably
believes that there has been:
The commission of a criminal offence.
A failure to comply with a legal obligation.
A miscarriage of justice.
A danger to the health and safety of an individual.
Damage to the environment.
The deliberate concealment of information tending to show any of the above
matters.
Sexual Harassment
Relationships with the media
2.37. Occupational health professionals may be approached by the media. It should
be established in what capacity they are being asked to act (is it as company
representative? as member of a professional body? as an independent expert?
etc.). Suitable permission should be obtained if being quoted as a
representative of an organisation and it is prudent to agree in advance with the
organisation any ‘lines to take’. In general, information given should be limited
to objectively determined facts and evidence-based opinions. On no account
should identifiable individuals be discussed without their express permission.
Page | 26
