The world of the Occupational Assessor never stands still. As an employer, you undoubtedly work with a Occupational Assessor, but did you know that the role has changed completely over the years? Where the Occupational Assessor there is now for reintegration advice, prevention and as a specialist in work adjustment and absenteeism, it was previously mainly aimed at keeping the influx of the WAO as low as possible. We would like to take you through the changing role of Occupational Assessor to how you know it now.

From Occupational Assessor To Case Manager Absenteeism

From 1967 onwards, the Occupational Assessor the WAO (Disability Insurance Act) to the trade associations of the time. But around the turn of the century, the field of work expanded considerably. Occupational Assessor Ed van Leuteren, who has been in the business for 20 years now: "From then on, the Occupational Assessor more and more involved in absenteeism counselling. Supporting the manager became an important task with the aim of reducing the influx into the WAO.

As a result of this change, the Occupational Assessor Case Manager Absenteeism. The function of internal Occupational Assessor in larger companies. The Occupational Assessor led or supervised discussions in absenteeism situations in order to arrive at the best possible solution together with the employee and manager. Absenteeism could often be avoided through the active involvement of the Occupational Assessor at the company in the role of sparring partner."

New legislation

Now, 20 years later, the role as a Occupational Assessor new insights and legislation. "Due to the renewed privacy legislation, the employer's options for supervising absenteeism were limited. If the employer previously asked about the restrictions in order to arrive at a job offer, this is no longer allowed due to the new legislation. As soon as the employee indicates that he or she is no longer able to perform work, the occupational health and safety service is the one that determines whether there are any restrictions on performing work. The doctor or nurse practitioner is then the first point of contact for the employee.

Previously, the Occupational Assessor Multiple roles: as a case manager, absenteeism coach, supervisor's coach for absenteeism interviews, the presenter who explains the law and the designer of absenteeism counseling.

The current situation

In 2021, the Occupational Assessor around the first year, determine whether the reintegration chosen by the employer is the right one. "As a result, the Occupational Assessor Have knowledge of various forms of work adjustments in order to retain the employee as much as possible for their own work. There are countless examples of workplace adjustments. Knowing those limitations can have major consequences for the employee and can lead to the conclusion that an employee can continue to do the work. Not knowing this leads to a possible other direction, while this is not necessary and perhaps not feasible. If one's own work is no longer possible, the Occupational Assessor through a thorough investigation, determine what the most appropriate reintegration direction is and what employment opportunities the employee has. There is a great responsibility here, because the Occupational Assessor can determine the future of this for the employee."

At home in all 'markets'

Ed: "All facets of occupational health work, I find equally interesting and fascinating. The previous role was that of absenteeism partner, the role now is more the role of the expert. Previously I was involved in all steps of the absenteeism file, now I come by around the first year and in this I can contribute to the employee's work and income."

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