Acorn Occupational Health Ltd

02/04/2026

Workplace stress doesn’t always look obvious, but its impact can be significant if left unaddressed.

Supporting employees starts with understanding the signs, having the right conversations, and putting practical support in place early. A proactive approach can make all the difference to wellbeing, absence levels, and overall performance.

Our blog breaks down what to look for and how employers can respond effectively.

👉 Read more: https://www.acornoh.co.uk/news-events/mental-health/stress-awareness-month-understanding-stress-and-how-to-support-employees/

Read more on Stress Awareness Month. Discover our blog posts which delve into topics within occupational health.

01/04/2026

April marks Stress Awareness Month – a timely reminder for employers to prioritise mental health and take proactive steps to prevent burnout in the workplace.

Work-related stress remains one of the leading causes of absence in the UK. By identifying stressors early and supporting employees effectively, organisations can reduce absence, improve wellbeing, and build a more resilient workforce.

From managing workplace pressures to supporting employees during stress-related absence, having the right support in place is key. Occupational Health can play a vital role through management referrals, mental health support, and EAP services.

Is your organisation doing enough to support employee wellbeing this month?

25/03/2026

High-risk roles come with high physical demands, but how often do we stop and assess the impact on the people doing the work?

From construction sites to manufacturing floors, ergonomic assessments play a key role in reducing injury risk, improving efficiency, and supporting long-term employee wellbeing.

In this blog, we explore how proactive assessments - supported by tools like motion capture and wearable tech - can help create safer, more sustainable workplaces.

👉 Read more: https://www.acornoh.co.uk/news-events/ergonomics/the-importance-of-ergonomic-assessments-in-high-risk-workplaces/

Read more on The Importance of Ergonomics In High-Risk Workplaces. Discover our blog posts which delve into topics within occupational health.

24/03/2026

When it comes to healthcare roles, fitness for work isn’t just important - it’s essential.

That’s where Health Clearance Medicals come in.

Before starting a role, healthcare workers must be able to demonstrate they are fit, compliant, and safe to work with patients. A structured health clearance process helps ensure exactly that.

Our Health Clearance Medicals are tailored to the individual and their level of patient contact, assessing key areas to minimise risk and support safe working environments.

✔ Ensures compliance with healthcare standards
✔ Reduces risk of infection transmission
✔ Confirms fitness for role before employment begins

It’s not just about meeting requirements, it’s about protecting both staff and patients from day one.

📞 01260 277797
📧 website@acornoh.co.uk

19/03/2026

Ever wondered what happens once you send a management referral? 🤔

For many managers, the uncertainty is what causes delays.

In reality, the process is simple and structured:

✔ Appointment is booked with the employee
✔ A clinical assessment is carried out
✔ A clear report is provided
✔ Practical, work-focused recommendations are given

No guesswork. No grey areas. Just clear guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

Management referrals aren’t just about assessing health, they’re about giving managers the clarity they need to take the next step.

📞 01260 277797
📧 website@acornoh.co.uk

18/03/2026

Most occupational health programmes don’t get reviewed…they just continue.

But are you doing the right health surveillance - or just what’s always been done? 👀

A Site Needs Assessment helps you:
✔ Stay compliant
✔ Reduce unnecessary spend
✔ Focus on real workplace risks

In our latest blog, we break down what it involves and why it matters for UK employers, especially ahead of the new financial year.

📖 Read more: https://www.acornoh.co.uk/news-events/guidance/site-needs-assessments-why-they-matter/

Read more on Site Needs Assessments: Why They Matter. Discover our blog posts which delve into topics within occupational health.

17/03/2026

🏋️‍♂️ Manual Handling Training: Protecting Your Workforce

Manual handling is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries, often leading to musculoskeletal disorders, strains, and long-term absence if not managed properly.

Yet many organisations still rely on basic training that doesn’t reflect the real tasks employees perform every day.

At Acorn Occupational Health, our training is delivered by experienced ergonomists and tailored to the specific environment and challenges of your workplace.

Investing in manual handling training isn’t just about compliance, it’s about preventing injuries, improving efficiency, and creating a safer working environment.

Read more here:
https://www.acornoh.co.uk/news-events/health-and-fitness/acorn-occupational-healths-manual-handling-training/

Manual handling training is crucial for the well-being of employees. We provide a range of occupational health services across the UK.

13/03/2026

Not All Back Pain Needs Time Off Work❌

When an employee reports back pain, the immediate assumption is often that they need time away from work. But in many cases, that isn’t necessary.

For many musculoskeletal conditions, remaining active and staying in work (with the right support) can actually help recovery.

Physiotherapists can assess the underlying cause of the pain and recommend practical steps to manage it safely at work, such as:

• Targeted exercises to improve strength and mobility
• Advice on posture and movement patterns
• Temporary adjustments to tasks or duties
• Guidance to prevent the issue from worsening

Sometimes the best support isn’t time off, it’s the right intervention at the right time.

12/03/2026

OHP vs Nurse Review: Why Escalations Matter

Health surveillance isn’t just about completing a test, it’s about acting on the results.

If an employee’s surveillance triggers escalation (for example HAVS Tier 4 or abnormal spirometry), re-booking with a nurse isn’t the correct pathway. At that stage, the assessment has moved beyond screening and requires medical review by an Occupational Health Physician (OHP).

In our latest blog, we explain:

• The difference between a nurse review and an OHP review
• Why escalation can’t be bypassed
• What the Health and Safety Executive expects
• What the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 says about employer and employee responsibilities

Following the correct pathway protects your workforce, and your organisation.

Read the full blog here: https://www.acornoh.co.uk/news-events/guidance/ohp-vs-nurse-review-why-escalations-matter/

Read more on OHP vs Nurse Review: Why Escalations Matter. Discover our selection of blog posts to delve into the trending topics within the field of occupational health

10/03/2026

“When employees say they’re exhausted, it isn’t always workload.”

Low energy at work is often attributed to pressure, deadlines or long hours - but sometimes the root cause is physiological, not organisational.

Persistent fatigue can be linked to:
• Low iron levels
• Vitamin deficiencies (such as B12 or Vitamin D)
• Blood glucose imbalance
• Thyroid function issues

Without clinical insight, these factors can go unnoticed, impacting concentration, productivity and overall wellbeing.

Well Person Medicals provide data-led health screening to help identify underlying issues that may be affecting energy and performance.

For HR teams, this means moving beyond generic wellbeing initiatives and offering meaningful, preventative support that can make a measurable difference.

📞 01260 277797
📧 website@acornoh.co.uk

06/03/2026

Expanding your workforce or moving sites in 2026?

Growth often changes your risk profile, and that means your occupational health requirements may change too.

Site Needs Assessment at Acorn Occupational Health includes an on-site walk-through by one of our experienced nurses alongside your Health & Safety lead.

During the assessment, we:

• Review workplace exposures and risk areas
• Identify required health surveillance
• Clarify your legal occupational health obligations
• Formalise what provision your organisation should have in place

You’ll receive clear, practical advice to help you build a compliant and cost-effective occupational health programme, particularly important during periods of growth or transition.

If your organisation is evolving in 2026, now is the time to make sure your health provision evolves with it.

📞 01260 277797
📧 website@acornoh.co.uk

04/03/2026

🚗 Is your employee’s workstation on four wheels?

We recently completed an ergonomic car assessment for a mobile sales employee experiencing persistent hip pain after long hours of driving.

Our face-to-face vehicle assessment identified the root causes and provided clear, practical recommendations - supporting both the employee’s wellbeing and the employer’s duty of care.

✔ Reduced musculoskeletal risk
✔ Informed vehicle decisions
✔ Clear, defensible guidance for management

For organisations with mobile teams, reviewing vehicle ergonomics is preventative risk management.

Read the full case study here: https://www.acornoh.co.uk/news-events/ergonomics/case-study-how-an-ergonomic-car-assessment-resolved-persistent-hip-pain/

📞 01260 277797
📧 website@acornoh.co.uk

Read more on Ergonomic Car Assessment Case Study. Discover our blog posts which delve into topics within occupational health.