News

Dr Gary Ferguson Appointed Medical Director Health Matters Occupational Health (HMOH) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr Gary Ferguson as Medical Director, marking a key milestone in the company’s growth and clinical development. His appointment strengthens governance, expands expertise, and enhances the way complex workplace health decisions are delivered. About Dr Gary Ferguson Dr Ferguson is a Consultant and Accredited Specialist...

It’s a common misconception that occupational health management referrals are only used in cases of long-term sickness or disciplinary concerns. In reality, they are one of the most powerful tools an organisation can use to support employees, address health-related challenges early, and sustain workforce productivity. At Health Matters Occupational Health (HMOH), we view management referrals as part of a proactive health...

In today’s evolving workplaces, protecting employee health isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a critical part of building a safe, productive, and sustainable organisation. Health surveillance plays a key role in identifying early signs of work-related ill health, helping employers act before conditions worsen or lead to long-term absence. At Health Matters Occupational Health (HMOH), we help businesses meet their obligations while...

May Challenge: Occupational Health vs Training This May, our teams at Health Matters Occupational Health and Health Matters Training are going head-to-head in a friendly step challenge – all in support of the Southern Area Hospice. Each participant is aiming to walk 10,000 steps a day throughout the month. While the goal is simple, the reason behind it is deeply meaningful....

Health Matters Occupational Health is proud to introduce its updated branding, a new chapter that reflects both our growth and continued commitment to workplace health. The refresh includes a modernised logo, updated visuals, and a streamlined website, all carefully designed to represent the trusted, professional service our clients know and rely on.  Why We Made the Change  As the business continues to...

We are pleased to announce that Health Matters will be exhibiting at the Workplace Health Conference and Exhibition 2025, hosted by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI). The event takes place on 9th and 10th April 2025 at La Mon Hotel and Country Club, Belfast.  What to Expect  The conference will focus on key occupational health priorities, including occupational...

Introduction -How Health Surveillance and Occupational Hygienist Services Interlink Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment should be a top priority for all workplaces. This is an obligation enshrined in various pieces of legislation. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (Northern Ireland) (COSHH) 2003 require employers to protect workers from hazardous substances, and this may involve a combination of...

An ageing population exists in the United Kingdom and this is thought to be due to an increased life expectancy alongside low birth rates. This means that there will be a reduction in the number of young people available to work and an increasing pressure on employees to work for longer1. In fact, approximately 1 in 7 employees are aged...

What is Occupational Health? Occupational Health is a branch of healthcare that is specifically involved in assessing the impact of health on work and work on health. Occupational Health specialists provide employees and employers with clear, impartial specialist advice on how employee health is affecting their ability to work, or how work is affecting employee health. The Role of Occupational Health Technician An Occupational...

HEALTHY EATING AS A SHIFT WORKER – IS IT POSSIBLE? Are your work shifts negatively affecting your eating habits? Do you find it easy or difficult to eat and drink healthy during shift work? Some of you may be thinking yes and others no. A recent study found that shift work affects many areas of workers’ lives, with an impact...