Compass Magazine | Your Health & Wellbeing Guide | Summer Edition 2025
C O MPASS
Prioritising Men’s Health: A Workplace Imperative
The Critical Role of Health Surveillance in the Workplace
Keeping the Beat: Protecting Your Heart on World Heart Rhythm Day
MSK Myth Busting: Fear Avoidance Behaviour
Allergies in the Workplace
“The career development provided by PAM Academy is amazing. As soon as a joined, I was told about all the things I could learn and given training and mentoring to move into a senior position.”
Luke, MSK senior clinician, PAM Group
“The training opportunities provided by PAM Academy have enabled me to acquire the clinical best practice needed to progress from joining as an OH nurse to mentoring others.”
Hanna, OH nurse advisor, PAM Group
C ONTENTS C O MPASS
The Critical Role of Health Surveillance in the Workplace Page 4-5
Prioritising Men’s Health: A Workplace Imperative Page 6-7
Ergonomic Tips to Protect MSK Health and Prevent Strain in Hybrid Working Page 8-11
MSK Myth Busting: Fear Avoidance Behaviour Page 12-13
Keeping the Beat: Protecting Your Heart on World Heart Rhythm Day Page 14-15
Allergies in the Workplace Page 16-18
The Critical Role of Health Surveillance in the Workplace
Health surveillance in the workplace is a proactive approach to monitoring employees' health. Detecting early signs of work-related illnesses and understanding whether controls are working are key outcomes.
This process is essential for maintaining a healthy work environment, particularly in industries where workers are exposed to hazardous substances, vibration, noise, or stressful conditions. The process is legislated through the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999, plus individual hazard regulations such as the Control of Noise at Work regulations. Health surveillance at work - HSG61
Employers must identify and assess the risk of hazards in the workplace and implement a health surveillance program should employers identify hazards. What employers commonly do not consider are the positive impacts health surveillance has on reducing sickness absence by reducing the risk of people developing illnesses caused or exacerbated by work.
Key Benefits of Health Surveillance How Occupational Health (OH) Supports Employers
Early Detection of Health Issues:
Regular health monitoring helps identify potential health problems before they become serious. This early detection allows for timely intervention and treatment, reducing the risk of long-term health issues.
Evaluation of Health Risks:
Health surveillance provides valuable data that helps employers evaluate the effectiveness of their health and safety measures. This information can highlight lapses in workplace controls and guide improvements.
Compliance with Regulations:
The HSE, as the regulatory body, requires employers to implement health surveillance programs to monitor employees' health when exposed to hazardous materials. Compliance with these regulations helps avoid legal penalties and ensures a safer work environment.
Enhanced Employee Well-being:
By addressing health concerns early and effectively, health surveillance programs contribute to overall employee well-being, reducing absenteeism and improving productivity.
OH can assess an individual’s fitness to work with particular hazards and provide advice on mitigating the risk for certain people or monitoring more closely. 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4
Occupational Health (OH) services play a crucial role in supporting employers by providing expertise and resources to manage workplace health risks effectively. Here are ways OH supports employers:
Risk Assessments:
OH can support health and safety advisors and employers to undertake and interpret risk assessments to identify potential health hazards in the workplace. They provide recommendations on how to mitigate these risks and ensure a healthier work environment.
Health Surveillance Programs:
OH services design and implement health surveillance programs tailored to the specific needs of the workplace. These programs include regular health checks, monitoring of exposure to hazardous substances, and data analysis to identify health trends.
Training and Education:
OH provides training and education to employees and management on health and safety practices. This training helps raise awareness about workplace hazards and promotes a culture of health.
Support for Chronic Conditions:
In conclusion, health surveillance is a critical component of workplace health management, enabling early detection of health issues, compliance with regulations, and overall improvement in employee well-being. Occupational Health services support employers by providing the necessary expertise and resources to implement effective health surveillance programs and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
Prioritising Men’s Health: A Workplace Imperative
Men’s health remains a critical yet often overlooked aspect of public health in the UK. Despite advances in medicine and awareness campaigns, men continue to experience poorer health outcomes compared to women, with higher rates of premature death, mental health struggles, and lifestyle-related diseases. With the workplace being where many men spend a significant portion of their time, employers are uniquely positioned to support their wellbeing — and organisations like PAM Wellness are leading the charge.
The State of Men's Health in the UK
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), men in the UK have a lower life expectancy than women — 79.3 years compared to 83.1 years (ONS, 2023).
This gap is influenced by a higher prevalence of heart disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions in men. Furthermore, men are more likely to engage in riskier health behaviours:
Public Health England reports that 67% of UK men are overweight or obese, compared to 60% of women (PHE, 2021).
In 2022, 74% of all UK suicide deaths were male (ONS, 2023).
Mental health is another pressing concern. While women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety, men are three times more likely to die by suicide.
Men are also less likely to seek help, with stigma and traditional views of masculinity acting as barriers to accessing support.
The Role of Employers
Workplaces are pivotal in creating supportive environments where men feel comfortable addressing their physical and mental health. Forward-thinking organisations are recognising that employee wellbeing is not just a perk — it’s a business imperative. Poor health costs UK employers over £45 billion annually through absenteeism, presenteeism and staff turnover (Deloitte, 2022).
This is where tailored wellbeing strategies come into play. Programmes that incorporate proactive health checks, confidential mental health support, and education around lifestyle choices can make a meaningful difference in men’s lives.
How PAM Wellness Can Help
PAM Wellness delivers comprehensive workplace wellbeing solutions that address the full spectrum of men’s health — physical, mental, and emotional. Through clinically led services and expert teams, PAM works in partnership with employers to create supportive, stigmafree environments.
Services include:
Proactive health assessments that identify cardiovascular risk factors, cholesterol levels, BMI, and lifestyle habits — empowering men to take action before issues escalate.
Mental health support through confidential counselling, resilience workshops, and 24/7 Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
Targeted health campaigns, such as Movember and Men’s Health Week, which raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations among male employees.
Wellbeing champions and line manager training to build a culture of openness and support.
Final Thoughts
By leveraging these tools, employers can not only improve the health outcomes of their male workforce but also boost productivity, morale, and retention.
Supporting men’s health is not a “nice to have” — it’s a necessity. With men continuing to face significant health challenges in silence, the workplace must become a safe and proactive environment for wellbeing. Through evidence-based, holistic support like that offered by PAM Wellness, organisations can champion a healthier, more resilient male workforce.
References
1. Office for National Statistics (ONS). (2023). National life tables – life expectancy in the UK: 2020 to 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.ons.gov.uk
2. Office for National Statistics (ONS). (2023). Suicides in England and Wales: 2022 registrations. Retrieved from: https://www.ons.gov.uk
3. Public Health England (PHE). (2021). Health matters: Obesity and the food environment. Retrieved from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-obesity-and-the-food-environment
4. Deloitte UK. (2022). Mental health and employers: The case for investment – pandemic and beyond. Retrieved from: https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/consulting/articles/mental-health-and-employers.html
5. Movember Foundation. (n.d.). Men’s Health Statistics. Retrieved from: https://uk.movember.com
Ergonomic Tips to Protect MSK Health and Prevent Strain in Hybrid Working
With the rise of hybrid working, and employees splitting their time between home and the office, it's crucial to prioritise ergonomic practices to protect musculoskeletal (MSK) health. Poor ergonomics can lead to discomfort, pain, and long-term health issues. Supported by the HSE guidelines, here are some essential tips to help you maintain a healthy and productive work environment.
1. Desk Setup
Ensure you have a desk of suitable height with enough space for your equipment. Make sure all equipment is reachable and free from glare and reflection. This helps in maintaining a comfortable and strain-free posture.
2. Chair Adjustments
Your chair should be stable, with seat height adjustment, casters or gliders, and an adjustable backrest in height and tilt. The small of your back should be supported by the chair's backrest. Proper chair adjustments can prevent strain and support your lower back effectively.
3. Screen Positioning
Characters on your screen should be clear and readable, with a stable image. Ensure the brightness and contrast are adjustable, and the screen can swivel and tilt. It should be free from glare to avoid eye strain. Position the top of the screen level with your eyes, about an arm's length away. NECK PAIN
4. Keyboard and Mouse
Your keyboard should be separate from the screen and tiltable, with all characters readable and free from glare. Find a comfortable typing position to avoid wrist strain. The mouse should be suitable, separate from the screen and keyboard, and used with your preferred hand. Keep the mouse in line with your elbow.
5. Environment
INCORRECT POSTURE
Ensure there is enough room to change positions, with coverings for windows to control glare. The lighting and noise levels should be suitable for a comfortable working environment. Relax your shoulders and position yourself high enough to avoid shrugging.
STRAIGHT BACK AND NECK
TOP OF THE MONITOR IS AT THE EYE LEVEL
6. Recommended Ergonomic Seated Position
CORRECT POSTURE
Top of screen level with eyes: About an arm's length away.
Relax your shoulders: Position yourself high enough to avoid shrugging.
Keyboard placement: No further than 10cm away from the edge of the desk, with forearms horizontal to the work surface.
Seat height: Supports front and back of thighs equally (or use a cushion to raise seated position).
Back support: The back of the seat provides good lower back support (or use a cushion for additional support).
Gap between seat and knee: 2-3 cm between the front of the seat bottom and the back of the knee.
Screen and keyboard central: Don't twist your back.
Mouse alignment: In line with your elbow.
Feet position: Flat on the floor or on a footrest.
7. Microbreaks
Taking short breaks throughout the day can significantly reduce strain. Here are some examples of microbreaks you may already be doing:
• Making a drink
• Letting the dog out
• Walking while on a call
• Getting up and walking to the printer
• Going to the toilet
• Stretching
Avoid activities that don't count as microbreaks, such as spinning your chair to talk to someone or stretching over to reach equipment. Instead, get up and move around.
Sit/Stand Guidance:
The recommended guidance is to stand for 20 minutes for every 40 minutes sitting and to continuously do this throughout the day. This change in movement does not take away from any micro breaks where you physically move your body. These micro breaks are encouraged along with the 40:20 ratio.
How long should I stand for?
For anyone with no underlying health issues, a recommended starting ratio is 40 minutes sitting for every 20 minutes standing, plus a few more minutes moving when away from the desk.
40 minutes sitting
20 minutes standing
Some ways to help support sticking to the 40:20 ratio:
A Sit/stand desk: A great way of being able to sit or stand whilst working. They come in both manual and electric adjustment options, with many of the electric options having the function to set specific heights, for example your seating height and standing height. With a quick press of the button the desk will then rise or lower to the designated height with no manual labour required.
A Sit/stand solution: This is a great option for home working especially if there is not room for a separate desk. This piece of equipment allows for the movement between sitting and standing, whilst also being able to be moved off the work surface, for example if working from a dining room table. At the end of the working day this can be moved to allow for the table to be used for its original purpose.
Implementing these ergonomic tips can help protect your MSK health and prevent strain in a hybrid working environment. By prioritising comfort, proper posture, and regular breaks, you can create a healthier and more productive workspace.
MSK Myth Busting: Fear Avoidance Behaviour
The Traditional View
As Musculoskeletal (MSK) clinicians, here at PAM Physio Solutions we adhere to the Biopsychosocial model, which emphasizes understanding the person as a whole and identifying potential barriers to recovery. One of the most pervasive myths we encounter is the belief that rest is the best remedy following an injury.
This myth is rooted in the idea that if an activity exacerbates pain, it should be avoided, as pain is often equated with damage and harm.
Traditionally, people have been advised to rest for back pain. This approach stems from the belief that immobilisation would prevent further injury and facilitate healing. However, updated research and evidence-based practice have debunked this notion, revealing that prolonged rest and avoidance of activity can actually lead to higher levels of pain, greater disability, poorer recovery, and longer absences from work.
The Reality: Pain Without Damage
One of the key insights from recent research is that pain does not always indicate damage or injury. Pain is a complex experience influenced by various factors, including psychological and social elements. It is possible to experience pain without any physical damage, and often, a combination of factors contributes to the sensation of pain.
The Importance of Movement
The cornerstone of effective MSK rehabilitation is movement. A holistic approach, as practiced by Occupational Health (OH) MSK specialists, helps dispel the myths surrounding rest and movement. Encouraging patients to stay active and gradually resume normal activities is crucial for recovery. This approach not only helps in physical rehabilitation but also addresses psychological barriers, reducing fear and anxiety associated with movement.
The Role of Language in Recovery
As health professionals, the language we use can significantly impact a patient's recovery. Terms like "degeneration," "crumbling spine," or "slipped discs" can be detrimental, creating fear and potential catastrophizing. It is essential to avoid over-medicalising conditions and suggesting unnecessary investigations, which can reinforce fear avoidance behaviours.
Stress Healing and Adaptive Loading
An important concept in MSK rehabilitation is adaptive loading. Tissues in the body are remarkably good at adapting to load, which is why a graded introduction to activity and work is vital. This process, known as adaptive loading, is a fundamental part of the rehabilitation process. By gradually increasing the load and activity levels, tissues can strengthen and adapt, leading to better outcomes and reduced pain.
Practical Tips for Patients
Stay Active: Engage in regular, gentle activities that do not exacerbate pain. Walking, swimming, and cycling are excellent options, and it's a good idea to find something you enjoy doing.
Gradual Progression: Increase activity levels gradually. Start with low-impact exercises and slowly build up intensity and duration.
Positive Language: Use positive and reassuring language when discussing your condition. Avoid terms that may induce fear or anxiety.
Holistic Approach: Consider psychological and social factors that may be contributing to your pain. Techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioural therapy can be beneficial.
Consult Professionals: Work with MSK specialists who understand the importance of a holistic approach and can guide you through a tailored rehabilitation program.
Dispelling the myths surrounding rest and movement is crucial for effective MSK rehabilitation. By understanding that pain does not always equate to damage and embracing a holistic, movement-based approach, patients can achieve better outcomes and a quicker return to normal activities.
As MSK clinicians, it is our responsibility to educate and support our patients, helping them overcome fear avoidance behaviours and promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Keeping the Beat: Protecting Your Heart on World Heart Rhythm Day
Every beat of your heart counts — quite literally. On World Heart Rhythm Day, we’re reminded of the importance of heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) and their impact on public health. While often overlooked, irregular heart rhythms can be an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular disease and are a growing concern in the UK.
Understanding Heart Rhythm Disorders
Your heart normally beats in a steady, regular rhythm. An arrhythmia occurs when that rhythm is disrupted — it may beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly (such as in atrial fibrillation, or AF). According to the NHS, more than 1.4 million people in the UK live with atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke by up to five times (NHS, 2023).
While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can lead to serious complications including stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest. Risk factors include high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as unmanaged stress and sedentary lifestyles.
Lifestyle and Heart Health
The good news is that many arrhythmias and heart-related problems are preventable. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is one of the most powerful tools we have:
Exercise regularly: The British Heart Foundation recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking or cycling, to keep your heart strong and improve circulation.
Eat for your heart: A balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and oily fish can reduce cholesterol and maintain a healthy weight. Limiting salt, sugar and processed foods is key to keeping blood pressure in check.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and increase heart rate variability. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and time away from screens can support a more balanced nervous system.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Both are major contributors to cardiovascular disease and can trigger arrhythmias.
Monitor your health: Keeping an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels can help you catch early signs of risk.
On World Heart Rhythm Day, take a moment to reflect on how your daily choices affect your heart. A healthy rhythm isn’t just about avoiding disease — it’s about living with energy, resilience, and longevity. With support from initiatives like those from PAM Wellness, keeping your heart in check is more achievable than ever.
How PAM Wellness Supports Heart Health
Organisations like PAM Wellness are playing a crucial role in helping individuals take charge of their heart health through workplace wellbeing initiatives. With heart disease being the UK's single biggest killer (BHF, 2022), early detection and education are key.
PAM Wellness offers
On-site and virtual health checks, including blood pressure, heart rate, BMI, and cholesterol screening — essential indicators for heart rhythm and cardiovascular risk.
Educational webinars led by clinical experts on topics such as heart rhythm disorders, lifestyle management, and stress reduction techniques.
Tailored wellbeing programmes to support employees in making sustainable health changes — from physical activity plans to nutrition advice and mental wellbeing resources.
By bringing these services into the workplace, PAM Wellness enables early intervention and supports healthier lifestyle habits — helping individuals protect not only their rhythm, but their overall cardiovascular health.
2. British Heart Foundation (BHF). (2022). UK Factsheet – Heart and Circulatory Disease Statistics. Retrieved from: https://www.bhf.org.uk/
3. World Heart Federation. (2023). World Heart Rhythm Week. Retrieved from: https://world-heart-federation.org/
4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2021). Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification (CG181).
Allergies in the Workplace
Allergies are one of the most common chronic health issues thought to be affecting 1 in 5 people, with the numbers continually rising. The symptoms of allergies, or the fear of having a severe lifethreatening reaction, can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of individuals and their families.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is the body’s response to a normally harmless substance such as pollen, food or pet fur. The immune system sees the trigger substance, known as an allergen, as a threat. This causes the release of chemicals, such as histamine resulting in an unwanted response. The symptoms can vary from mild itching to severe swelling of the airways, known as anaphylaxis.
Types of Allergies Common allergens
Food Allergies
Skin Allergies / Allergic Dermatitis/ Eczema
Asthma
Allergic Rhinitis
Drugs
Occupational Allergies
Occupational allergies are allergic reactions that develop due to exposure to allergens in the workplace. Repeated exposure to these allergens can lead to sensitization, where the immune system becomes increasingly reactive, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and even severe respiratory issues. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, employers are required to carry out risk assessments to identify potential allergens in the workplace. This involves evaluating the work environment and processes to pinpoint where allergens may be present and how employees might be exposed. The hierarchy of control is a systematic approach to managing risks. It starts with elimination, where the allergen is completely removed from the workplace. If elimination is not possible, the next step is substitution, where a less harmful substance is used instead. Engineering controls involve isolating people from the allergen, such as using ventilation systems. Administrative controls include changing work practices to reduce exposure, like rotating tasks among employees. Finally, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves, should be used as a last resort when other controls are not sufficient.
Cow’s milk, nuts, sesame, shellfish, fish, eggs, celery, cereals containing gluten, mustard, soybeans and sulphur dioxide and sulphites.
House dust mite, animal fur and skin (dander), pollen, food allergies, mould spores, cleaning and laundry products, soaps, cosmetics and personal care items, metals and latex. Changes in temperature, being too hot or experiencing stress can also trigger symptoms.
Flour and grain dust, isocyanates, wood dust, animal fur and skin (dander), latex, cleaning agents, mould spores, metal working fluids, egg, fish, coffee bean and soya bean dust.
Pollen from trees, grass and weeds (hay fever), house dust mites, animal fur and skin (dander), mould spores, wood dust, flour and grain dust and latex.
Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vaccines and contrast dyes used in some types of x rays.
Venom Bee and wasp stings and insect bites
Health surveillance plays a crucial role in monitoring the effectiveness of these measures. Regular health checks can help detect early signs of sensitization or allergic reactions, allowing for timely intervention. This not only protects the employee by allowing for early intervention to ensure their safety, but also monitors that the control measures in place are working effectively.
Occupational health services can assist in this process by providing expertise in risk assessments, health surveillance, and employee support. If an occupational allergy is diagnosed by a doctor, it must be reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). This helps in tracking workplace-related health issues and improving safety standards.
Managing Allergies in the workplace
The charity Allergy UK report that 1 in 5 people are affected by allergies, with the number of hospital admissions due to severe allergic reactions increasing over the last few decades. Employers have a duty of care under HSWA to ensure a safe working environment, therefore risk assessments and policies should take vulnerable employees into consideration. If you have a severe allergy, it is also advisable to consider having individual action plan and sharing it with colleagues. Raising awareness and educating others not only helps reduce the risk of a severe reaction, but also to ensure you receive quick and effective support if necessary.
Anaphylaxis can be life threatening and lead to death if not treated quickly. Symptoms develop very quickly and include:
• Swollen tongue
• Difficulty swallowing and throat tightness.
• Voice becoming hoarse or croaky.
• Difficulty breathing and chest tightness.
• Noisy breathing, coughing and wheezing.
• Feeling dizzy or faint.
• Pale skin that is cold to the touch.
• Collapse and loss of consciousness.
Action
• Help the person to use their adrenaline auto injector pen if they have one.
• Call 999 and highlight they are having an anaphylactic reaction.
• Lie them down and raise their legs.
• If symptoms do not improve after 5 minutes administer a 2nd adrenaline auto injector pen.
Source: Anaphylaxis - NHS
PAM Groups businesses:
PAM OH Solutions is a national Occupational Health provider. We work with clients across all industry sectors, delivering a flexible range of high quality, pro-active and cost-effective services. Combining the traditional values of professional integrity and good customer service with a modern progressive approach to service delivery.
We deliver efficient and fit for purpose Occupational Health solutions to improve attendance and reduce absence in full compliance with legislation. Our approach extends beyond simply providing a reactive management referral service, we aim to forge strong working relationships with our clients, working in partnership to deliver tailored absence management solutions.
PAM Wellness Solutions was born out of a need to support our customers and their employees from a holistic health and wellbeing perspective in 2009, expanding on the physical health and rehabilitation services that our occupational health sister company has expertly provided since 2004.
Our suite of corporate health, neurodiversity, psychological and wellbeing solutions enables organisations the option to engage with a strategic wellbeing partner to support their employee’s whole health and wellbeing needs, and for their employees to benefit from the multidisciplinary expertise of our extensive team. We work strategically to implement proactive workplace health and wellbeing solutions, to help organisations and their people thrive.
• Corporate Health Assessments
• Psychological Services
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Trauma and Critical Incident Support
• Neurodiversity diagnosis and screening
• Menopause Support
• Drug and Alcohol Programme
• Mediation and Whistleblowing
• Workplace Needs Assessments
• Assistive Technology & Ergonomics
• Management Coaching
• Wellness Training, Workshops & Webinars
• Corporate Blood Testing
We are a specialist business under PAM Group and are proud to offer an extensive range of high-quality services, focussing on all of the five pillars of wellbeing.
PAM Physio Solutions provide a variety of physiotherapy solutions and specialist services to ensure speedy, proactive, and early intervention with a focus on clinical excellence and healthy outcomes for clients. We’re committed to client and customer wellbeing and offer comprehensive, end-toend physiotherapy solutions bringing clinical excellence and product-based solutions to our client’s workspaces.
