Acorn Occupational Health Ltd

18/06/2026

A structured return to work after significant injury requires more than assumptions, it requires clear, evidence-based insight into what is safe and sustainable.

In our latest case study, we explore how Acorn Occupational Health supported an employee returning following a traumatic above-elbow amputation through a Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA). The assessment combined clinical evaluation with real-world task observation to guide safe, practical decision-making in a complex warehouse environment.

The outcome provided the employer with clear recommendations around safe task allocation, reasonable adjustments, and phased rehabilitation planning, supporting both recovery and operational needs.

Read the full case study here: https://www.acornoh.co.uk/news-events/ergonomics/functional-capacity-assessment-case-study-supporting-return-to-work-following-upper-limb-amputation/

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

16/06/2026

When people think about health screening, they often assume it's all about finding problems.

In reality, A Well Person Medical isn't just about identifying potential health risks. It's also an opportunity for employees to better understand their health, receive personalised advice, and gain confidence that they're on the right track.

At Acorn Occupational Health, our assessments include checks such as blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and musculoskeletal health, alongside advice on diet, fitness, and lifestyle.

Sometimes the most valuable outcome isn't uncovering a health concern, it's providing reassurance and practical guidance to help employees maintain their wellbeing for the future.

For employers, supporting preventive health initiatives can contribute to a healthier, more informed workforce and demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing.

15/06/2026

We are excited to bring you a range of wellbeing and preventive webinars and awareness courses hosted by our colleagues at Spire Occupational Health.

These practical online sessions are designed to help employers and employees navigate some of the most common workplace wellbeing challenges.

Upcoming sessions include:

📅 Managing Change – 25 June 2026
📅 Menopause Action Plans – Introduction – 30 June 2026
📅 Mental Health Awareness – 2 July 2026
📅 Managing Stress & Building Resilience – 15 July 2026
📅 Mental Health Advocacy (First Aid) – 1-day and 2-day options available throughout July and August

👉 If you would like to book a place, click here: https://book.stripe.com/cNi4gA9JW36s6Rz5iD2Ry04

09/06/2026

Returning to work after a serious illness or injury can present challenges for both employees and employers.

When an employee’s role includes physical demands, employers may need support in understanding what tasks can be completed safely, what reasonable adjustments may help, and how to create a sustainable return-to-work plan.

That’s where services such as Functional Capacity Assessments can help, providing objective insight into an employee’s functional abilities and helping employers make informed decisions that support both wellbeing and workplace safety.

Every return to work is different, and the right support can make all the difference.

👀 Watch out for a case study blog post next week, where we’ll share how Acorn's support helped inform a successful return-to-work process.

04/06/2026

Poor manual handling practices can lead to workplace injuries, absence and long-term musculoskeletal problems, but many risks are preventable.

Our Manual Handling Training helps employers improve risk awareness, support safer working practices and meet legal responsibilities around moving and handling tasks.

Training includes:
✔️ Risk awareness & assessment
✔️ Safe moving and handling techniques
✔️ Back care and injury prevention
✔️ Practical demonstrations

Because prevention is always better than injury management.
📞 01260 277797
📧 [email protected]

03/06/2026

When should an employer consider a management referral?

If an employee is struggling with attendance, performance, returning after illness, or their health may be affecting work, a management referral can help provide clarity and support. It’s not about judgement, it’s about understanding how best to support employees while helping employers make informed decisions.

We’ve revisited one of our blogs exploring the signs that it may be time to consider a referral and what the process involves.

Read more here 👉 https://www.acornoh.co.uk/news-events/management-referrals/does-my-employee-need-a-management-referral/

Read more on Does My Employee Need a Management Referral? Discover our blog posts which delve into topics within occupational health.

02/06/2026

June’s Wellness Focus shines a spotlight on Men’s Health & Physical Fitness for Work 💪

In many male-dominated industries, physical strain can often be seen as “part of the job” - but aches, pains and injuries shouldn’t be ignored. Encouraging employees to speak up early about discomfort can make a significant difference, helping to prevent minor issues from becoming long-term problems.

This month, we’re encouraging employers to consider:
✔️ Promoting early reporting of pain, discomfort or injury
✔️ Supporting physical health in physically demanding roles
✔️ Reviewing workplace risks linked to manual handling, repetitive tasks or poor ergonomics
✔️ Taking a proactive approach to musculoskeletal health

A healthier workforce starts with prevention. What steps is your organisation taking to support physical wellbeing at work?

27/05/2026

Did you know that counselling support can take many forms - including specialist therapies such as EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy approach often used to help individuals process distressing or traumatic experiences.

Unlike traditional talking therapies, EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess difficult memories. During sessions, a trained therapist guides the individual through specific eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while recalling distressing experiences in a safe, structured way. The aim is to reduce the emotional impact of those memories over time and help individuals move forward.

At Acorn Occupational Health, we understand that mental health support is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why, through our counselling provision with Vita, employees can access a range of therapeutic support options, including EMDR counselling, where clinically appropriate.

If you’d like to learn more about the counselling support available, get in touch with our team.
📞 01260 277797
📧 [email protected]

20/05/2026

Could you spot the signs of depression in your workplace?

Depression doesn’t always look the way people expect, and in many cases, employees may be struggling in silence. Changes in performance, behaviour, energy levels, or even appearance can all be early warning signs.

For employers and managers, recognising these signs early is key to offering the right support and preventing issues from escalating.

Our blog breaks down:
✔️ Common workplace signs of depression
✔️ What these changes might look like day-to-day
✔️ How to approach and support employees effectively

👉 Read more here: https://www.acornoh.co.uk/news-events/mental-health/spotting-the-signs-of-depression-in-the-workplace/

If you’re unsure how to support an employee, a management referral can provide the clarity and guidance you need.

Read more on Spotting the Signs of Depression in the Workplace. Discover our blog posts which delve into topics within occupational health

19/05/2026

For SMEs, arranging health surveillance can sometimes feel challenging - limited time, smaller teams, and the disruption of staff travelling off-site for appointments can all become barriers.

That’s where mobile health surveillance can make a real difference.

Our mobile health surveillance units bring essential assessments directly to your workplace, helping smaller businesses access tailored health surveillance without unnecessary disruption to day-to-day operations.

Benefits for SMEs include:

✔ Reduced employee downtime - less time spent travelling to appointments
✔ Flexible service delivery - suitable for businesses of varying sizes
✔ On-site convenience - assessments carried out at your premises
✔ Support with legal responsibilities where workplace risks are identified

Whether your employees are exposed to noise, vibration, dust, or other workplace hazards, health surveillance helps identify concerns early and supports a healthier workforce.

Health surveillance isn’t just for large organisations, practical solutions are available for businesses of all sizes.