11.1 Nature of occupational health

Question 1

Occupational health hazards include:

Answer 1

 Chemical, physical and biological agents.

 Ergonomic and psychosocial hazards.

Question 2

Acheson’s model of the main determinants of health (Figure 11.4) shows several
layers of influence on health and wellbeing.

Answer 2

 Individuals are at the centre with certain fixed genetic attributes that may impact
on health, but surrounding the individuals are layers of influence that interact and
are modifiable.
 Personal behaviours and lifestyle choices, such as smoking habits and lack of
exercise, clearly have the potential to promote or damage health.
 Interactions with friends, relatives and the immediate community can also
influence the health of individuals and communities.
 Living and working conditions, food supplies, and access to essential goods and
services, are broader influences on a person’s ability to live a healthy life.
 The outermost layer shows the economic, cultural and environmental conditions
prevalent in society as a whole.