Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Help from an occupational physician

Help from an occupational physician or another occupational health professional focuses on the relationship between health, safety and work. They can advise on your capacity for work, returning to work, workplace adjustments, occupational risks and how medical symptoms relate to your duties. Access, roles and rules differ between employers, insurers and countries. Do not automatically expect the same system as in the Netherlands: ask what is arranged locally on Curaçao or in your contract.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

  • An occupational physician or occupational health professional considers the relationship between health, capacity, safety and work. This is broader than a diagnosis or absence form alone.
  • You do not need to wait until you are completely unable to work. Early advice on adjustments, recovery and prevention can help limit problems.
  • Medical confidentiality remains important. Employers generally do not automatically receive all your medical details, but may receive information about limitations or your ability to work safely.
  • Not every country uses the same system or job title. On Curaçao, access, responsibilities and funding may differ from the Netherlands. Check precisely what your employer, insurer or local legislation provides.
  • For acute illness or an accident, ordinary medical care takes priority. Occupational health support follows or runs alongside it; it does not replace it.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
M
Mental health problems and workMental health problems can be caused by work, worsened by work or start outside work and affect functioning. Early discussion, appropriate temporary adjustments and treatment help recovery; safety and capacity come before a rapid return to full duties.
W
Work-life balanceWhen work stress continues at home, recovery can suffer and sleep, mood, relationships and physical health may deteriorate. Identify causes and boundaries clearly, discuss feasible adjustments with your manager or an occupational health professional, and seek medical help for persistent or severe symptoms.
C
Combined lifestyle programme (GLI)A lifestyle programme, or GLI, is not a strict short-term diet. It provides support with eating, physical activity, sleep, stress and maintaining changes. The aim is lasting change and lower health risks. Access, availability and cover may vary locally, so check with your GP or healthcare professional on Curaçao. Call a doctor if activity causes symptoms beyond normal exertion, or if an existing condition becomes unstable.