The 'value case' for investment in occupational health

This paper introduces the problems facing occupational health departments in the current environment created by new legislation and changes in social attitudes. The problems of establishing the true costs and benefits of service provision are discussed. The paper also explains the employment of the 'value principle' in organizations and postulates its use in order to establish the appropriate position of occupational health in corporate thinking. A practical system is suggested, based on a four-step process of strategic planning, issues development, option establishment and plan implementation, which can be used to evaluate and justify investment in services. The problems of future risk are addressed. The paper concludes with the priority of establishing the strategic importance of occupational health services alongside other personnel issues and expresses the possibility of using the same principles outside the business world.