An economic evaluation of occupational health

There is an increasing need to evaluate the costs and benefits of an occupational health service (OHS). However, measuring benefits from an OHS is inherently difficult. Instead, an economic model can be constructed to present the minimum threshold benefits required for OHSs to be cost-effective, given what is known about costs. This model assumes that the benefits of an OHS are to maximize health and morale of employees; maximize performance and increase productivity; minimize medico-legal costs; enhance workplace safety; and reduce sickness absence. A certain distribution across these benefits can be assumed for each OHS. The overall required value of all benefits brought about by use of an OHS is in the range 158-199 Pounds per year. The plausibility of results can be assessed using known data and judgement. Despite many uncertainties it is likely that the minimum benefit thresholds will be achieved overall.