Ethics Guidance for Occupational Health Practice 9th Edition - Book - Page 33
2.63. The marketing arms of commercial organisations that employ occupational
health professionals are not restricted in the same way as individuals.
Nonetheless occupational health professionals should disassociate themselves
from marketing hyperbole and should aim to ensure that advertising literature
does not make claims which are not factual and verifiable.
Competence
2.64. Occupational health professionals should only accept or perform work either
on an individual basis or on behalf of their organisation which they are
competent to undertake. Occupational health professionals must assess the
level of specialist skills required and provision should be made for referral to a
higher level of competence if it is required (for example radiation, aviation or
underwater medicine). Occupational health professionals must recognise and
work within the limits of their competence. They must only practise under the
level of supervision appropriate to their role, knowledge, skills and training.
2.65. The terminology used to describe occupational health professionals should be
consistent with the definitions applied by relevant professional bodies 16 17 .
Health professionals lacking recognised specialist qualifications and training
should not be passed off as being competent at a higher level.
2.66. Services should work to appropriate standards and where possible, should be
subject to an external quality benchmark or verified accreditation scheme.
Specific examples relevant to Occupational Health practice include
SEQOHS 18. Businesses may choose to achieve relevant ISO accreditation to be
recognised in the UK and internationally for high quality business
management.
Competitive tender
2.67. Competition can be a healthy stimulus to improve standards and can bring
benefits to both employers and workers. Tendering exercises should be
conducted with integrity. This inherently implies honesty and fair dealing.
Competitors should not be denigrated, and great care should be taken not to
damage competitors' professional reputations. It is improper to offer
inducements to secure business or to make approaches to the staff of a
competitor to obtain commercial advantage. Such behaviour is likely to fall foul
of the Bribery Act 2010 19 and professional codes of conduct.
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