IB1 - Managing Occupational Health Flashcards
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines HEALTH as …
“A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”
Occupational Health according to ILO is…
The promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations by preventing departures from health, controlling risks and the adaptation of work to people, and people to their jobs.
What is the definition of Well-Being according to ESRC?
“Wellbeing is a state of being with others, where human needs are met, where one can act meaningfully to pursue one’s goals, and where one enjoys a satisfactory quality of life.”
What are the 5 categories of occupational health hazards?
- Biological
- Chemical
- Physical
- Psychological
- Ergonomics
Give examples of Biological Hazards
These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Biological hazards can be found in humans, animals, and the environment.
Give examples of Chemical Hazards
These include acids, alkalis, metals (such as lead and mercury), gases (such as carbon monoxide), dusts (such as silica) and fibres (such as asbestos).
Give examples of Physical Hazards
These include heat, lighting, noise, vibration, and radiation.
Give examples of Psychological Hazards
These include mental ill-health, stress, violence, and aggression
Give examples of Ergonomics Hazards
These include repetitive movement activities, manual handling, poor job design, uncomfortable workstation height, and poor body positioning.
What is the “Fitness to work” standard?
Fitness to work standards is an assessment put in place to ensure that the employee is fit to carry out the work safely without the risk to themselves and others.
What is the link between Occupational Health and General/Public Health?
Improving the health of the working population contributes to improving the health of the whole population.
What is “Fit to work” or “Fitness to work” ?
Is a medical assessment with the purpose is to determine if, medically, the worker can perform the job or task under the working conditions.
When is a “Fitness to work” carried out?
Often done to determine medical fitness :
- After an illness or injury,
- After employment has been offered, or
- As a condition of a job transfer or pre-placement.
Principles of a fitness to work process to include…
- Assessment of the risk
- The aim to match the requirements of a position with the reasonable (and foreseeable) health and capacity requirements for a worker in that position
- Any tests of functional capacity or medical examinations should relate to an assessment of fitness for the assignment or tasks.
- Tests and examinations should produce repeatable and consistent results
- Tests or examinations should apply equally to all who are required to do the work
- Tests and examinations must be legal in the country in which they are applied
- All work capacity tests or medical examinations must be safe.
What is the common approach to “Risk Assessment” according to the ILO?
The 5 steps to risk assessment are:
- Identify the hazards.
- Decide who might be harmed, and how.
- Evaluate the risks, and decide on precautions.
- Record your significant findings.
- Review your assessment and update if necessary.
