Health assessment, case management and rehabilitation

Health assessment, case management and rehabilitation are all vital activities in occupational health (OH) nursing practice. This chapter aims to explore comprehensively how health assessment in its various forms is undertaken for the benefit of both the employer and the employee. This is required under UK law, under the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974, where it states that it is the duty of every employer to take reasonable care of the health, safety and welfare of all his employees and under the Equality Act 2010, which requires reasonable adjustments to be made by all employers for those with disabilities. A recent essay collection on studies on rehabilitation research also highlights that information is the key and that prompt identification of needs and then clear understanding of who is responsible for doing what and when can avoid the long delays that significantly reduce the likelihood of successful return to work.