The difference between a PME, POHE, health check and Health Check

What exactly do a PME, POHE, health check or Health Check entail? How do they relate to an RI&E? And how do they fit within a broader sustainable employability policy? In this article we provide an overview of the main differences, connections and advantages of these instruments. Read on and discover how they contribute to a healthy, safe and sustainable work environment.

What is a Health Check?

All our employees are committed on a daily basis to providing attention to the health, vitality and well-being of the entire working population of the Netherlands. This includes offering opportunities to stimulate and support a healthy lifestyle where necessary and a preventive approach is always paramount. We do this by not only offering an extensive Health Check, as a so-called 0-masurement, but also by investing in a complete offer for the necessary follow-up processes. In fact, we always refer to this as our 'Health Check'.

For us it is clear what we mean by this and what it all covers. However, in practice we often encounter that people do not always know what our Health Check stands for and whether it fits within the legal requirements of a POHE, a PME or an RI&E. What's more, it is not always clear to everyone what exactly these abbreviations stand for, where do they differ and what is overlapping? All these terms are used in the context of health assessments, but they have different purposes and applications, in relation to work and health. We have briefly listed it for you.

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What is a PME (preventive medical examination)?

A PME is a medical examination that focuses on the early detection of health risks and conditions in individuals, whether or not they are work-related. Employers often offer this examination to their employees to monitor overall health and identify any health problems at an early stage.

The purpose of a PME is to promote the health and well-being of employees while preventing health problems from developing into more serious conditions. This makes the PME an important tool within a policy aimed at sustainable employability and prevention.

Want to learn more about what Simple Check offers in terms of PME-based research? Read more on this page.

How does a PMO contribute to reduced absenteeism and healthier employees?

A PME is more than a health check. It is a powerful tool to improve employability, reduce absenteeism and keep employees healthy and motivated. In this white paper you will discover how it works - including tips on implementation, subsidies and legislation.

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What is a POHE?

Employers are required by Article 18 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to offer their employees a periodic occupational health examination(POHE). The purpose of this examination is to identify health damage due to work-related risks early and prevent them where possible.

During the POHE, advice is given to both the employer and the employee on taking or adjusting protective measures. As a result, the examination contributes to the prevention of illness, absence and deterioration of health.

A POHE is specifically focused on the health of employees in relation to their work. The purpose of a POHE is to assess whether the employee is medically fit to perform his or her specific work and to identify any work-related health risks. These can range from exposure to hazardous substances to physical strain in the workplace. Every employer with 1 or more employees is required to offer a periodic health examination. A POHE can also be offered as part of a PME. While it is mandatory for the employer to offer this examination, it is not mandatory for the employee to participate.

Want to learn more about what Simple Check offers in terms of research based on a POHE? Read more on this page.

What is a Health Check or Health Check?

A health check, also called a Health Check, is a collective term for various medical evaluations and tests that are performed to get a picture of a person's overall health. These checks can range from simple measurements, such as blood pressure and weight, to more extensive examinations, such as cardiovascular screenings or targeted health tests that identify specific risks.

Health checks are performed by medical professionals, health facilities or through self-tests and health apps. The purpose of a health check is to understand a person's well-being, assess current health status and identify potential health risks early. This can help improve overall health and prevent future problems.

What is an RI&E?

The purpose of an RI&E is to take measures to minimize or even completely eliminate risks. Depending on the nature of the work and the risks present, an RI&E can range from a simple checklist to a comprehensive analysis.

Companies with more than 25 employees are required to have their RI&E reviewed by a certified occupational health and safety service or one or more certified core experts. More information on the legal obligations and guidelines surrounding the RI&E can be found at Rijksoverheid.nl.

Through a properly conducted RI&E, an organization actively contributes to a safe and healthy work environment.

By working with Simple Check, a company demonstrably invests in the well-being and development of its employees. Are you curious about the possibilities for your company? Feel free to contact us, without obligation!

Summary

An RI&E focuses on identifying, assessing and addressing risks in the work environment to ensure the safety and health of employees. A PME, Health Check, Health Check and POHE, on the other hand, focus on monitoring the health of employees. A POHE specifically focuses on the impact of work-related tasks and conditions on employee health.

The Complete Approach to Healthy and Safe Work

At Simple Check, all of our surveys meet the legal requirements for offering health checks. They are an important pillar within a healthy and safe work and environment policy. Our services complement each other perfectly, providing a complete, integrated approach to work, health and safety.

Simple Check makes it easy to implement and execute a sustainable employability policy. We understand that every company is unique and that different industries have specific concerns. This is why we work with flexible modules: a basic health check, which can be expanded as desired with additional research that suits your organization and industry. This applies to both the 0 measurement and our follow-ups.

Wondering what we can do for your company? Contact our sustainable employability consultants and discover our flexible, professional approach. At Simple Check, both the person and the organization are central. Together we work on a healthy and safe future!

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Working with Simple Check means clear insight into what is really going on within your organization.

We help companies get a handle on work stress, vitality, health and engagement so that employees stay healthier, more energetic and productive.

Preventive medical examination (PME) Employee walks to Simplecheck bus

Moving together toward a healthy future

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That's why Simple Check

  • PMO at your location
  • High participation, low barriers
  • Guidance on DI policy
Lisa Meddens CEO of Simple Check
Lisa Meddens
What exactly do a PME, POHE, health check or Health Check entail? How do they relate to an RI&E? And how do they fit within a broader sustainable employability policy? In this article we provide an overview of the main differences, connections and advantages of these instruments. Read on and discover how they contribute to a healthy, safe and sustainable work environment.