What did the 2023–24 government report find about SME occupational health access?

The UK Government's Understanding Occupational Health Provision 2023–24 report found that SMEs have significantly lower rates of occupational health access than larger employers. Cost, lack of awareness, and the absence of in-house HR expertise were the main barriers cited.

Why does early intervention in occupational health matter for small businesses?

Early intervention — acting before a health issue becomes a long-term absence — is consistently shown to reduce overall absence duration and cost. For SMEs without in-house OH support, AI-assisted guidance tools can provide accessible, early-stage support that would otherwise require a specialist referral.

What support is available to help SMEs access occupational health?

Options include the government's Health at Work Network, SEQOHS-accredited OH providers, and digital-first tools like OH Sam that provide AI-guided occupational health support specifically designed for SME managers and HR teams without specialist knowledge.

SME Access to Occupational Health: What the Latest UK Government Report Reveals