Ethics Guidance for Occupational Health Practice 9th Edition - Book - Page 36
3. Information
Introduction
3.01. Modern occupational health practice requires that individuals are fully involved
in decisions about their care. Respect for a worker’s autonomy means they must
be given clear, relevant, and appropriate information to support informed
decision-making. This includes explaining what information the occupational
health professional may request from the worker’s treating clinician, as well as
the type of information that may be shared with the employer and the reasons
for such disclosure. Workers must also understand how their personal data will
be processed, stored, and used.
3.02. These principles apply equally to the commencement of the referral process. An
employer referral to occupational health often involves the transfer of sensitive
personal information, and employers must ensure that this occurs lawfully and
with the worker’s knowledge and consent.
3.03. Occupational health professionals are responsible for maintaining the
confidentiality of personal data and ensuring that any disclosure is both lawful
and appropriate. When consent is sought, workers should be informed of the
nature and implications of disclosure so they can decide freely. Organisations
should make their UK GDPR and data protection policies easily accessible
through written materials, websites, or other communication channels.
3.04. Where occupational health professionals provide therapeutic care, workers
must receive sufficient information to give fully informed consent
to interventions such as investigations, immunisations, or treatment. Clear
communication is essential to support informed choices and safeguard the
worker’s rights.
Confidentiality
3.05. Almost all clinical practice depends on the willingness of the patient
to disclose personal and often sensitive or private information to a healthcare
professional who, in turn, undertakes to treat that information as confidential.
Page | 35
