OH professionals could come under increasing pressure in the next four years, amid predictions of a substantial expansion of the sector.
Market research body Market & Business Development (MBD) has estimated that the total market for occupational healthcare provision last year totalled 318m, and is set to grow massively between now and 2009.
The market, it said, will grow by 19% in real terms between 2005 and 2009, and by 4% to 5% year-on-year.
The Commercial Occupational Health Providers Association (Cohpa) has called the figures “conservative”, arguing that many of its members are seeing 20% growth year-on-year.
But the main hurdle will be a lack of OH professionals to cope with the demand, leading to concerns about workload, stress, and a dilution of standards within the profession.
