How to do a Health Needs Assessment

What should I know?

A health needs assessment (HNA) is used to identify health issues and occupational health and safety priorities that are of concern to staff.  

There are different methods that can be used to undertake an HNA:  a questionnaire; formal consultation with staff groups; focus groups; mind mapping; or the amalgamation of the results of previous surveys e.g. risk assessments, health and safety audits, HSE stress management standards.

The results of the HNA can help an organisation to identify priorities; allocate resources; and develop an action plan to address staff health and wellbeing.

What should I do?

• Contact Health at Work to discuss the various options for carrying out an HNA.
• Decide on the most suitable option for the organisation.
• Agree content of the HNA.  To satisfy the Healthy Working Lives Award criteria this must include individual, environmental and organisational issues.
• Consider how you will promote the HNA to staff and engage them in the process.
• Agree timescale for the HNA.
• Analyse the results of the HNA and feedback the main results to staff.
• Develop an action plan to address issues raised in the HNA.