Ethics Guidance for Occupational Health Practice 9th Edition - Book - Page 89
4.89. Health promotion initiatives must always be evidence based, ethically sound,
and respectful of individual autonomy. Occupational health professionals are
well positioned to promote, facilitate, and champion such initiatives within the
workplace.
4.90. Where voluntary screening or other health promotion activities are offered,
such as smoking cessation support or disease screening programmes for the
working population, they must be evidence based and designed solely to
promote health, not to assess fitness for work. Any screening tests included
should be safe, simple, acceptable and validated. Arrangements must be in
place for the follow-up of abnormal results, including referral with the worker’s
consent to their own healthcare professionals. Leaving individuals without
adequate follow-up or onward referral would be unethical.
4.91. When contributing to the development of health promotion programmes,
occupational health professionals should recommend an evidence-based
approach, drawing on published guidelines where they exist (e.g. National
Institute for Health and Care Excellence 63 64 65). Employers may choose to offer
complementary therapies; occupational health professionals should engage
constructively, endorsing interventions with demonstrable benefit
and advising against those with potential to cause harm. They may also advise
on the cost-effectiveness of proposed initiatives.
4.92. Participation in health promotion activities must be voluntary. Compulsion,
even when well-intentioned, is inconsistent with respect for autonomy.
Employers may offer incentives to encourage participation, but workers must
not be disadvantaged if they choose not to take part. Occupational health
professionals should present information in a balanced, accessible manner to
support informed decision-making
4.93. Occupational health professionals if delivering the programme must ensure
that facilities, equipment and training are suitable and sufficient for intended
activities. Where health promotion services are outsourced, they should support
the employer by advising whether providers operate according to valid
protocols and recognised standards.
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