introduction to occupational health

Question 1

what are the roles of Occupational Health? (11)

Answer 1

• prevention of work-related ill health
• advice on fitness for work and workplace safety
• recommend appropriate adjustments in workplace to help people stay in work
• improve work attendance and performance
• provide rehabilitation to help people return to work/advice on alternative suitable work for health condition
• promote health in workplace and lifestyle
• recommend and implement healthy workplace policies
• conduct research into workplace health issues
• ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
• advice on medical health and ill-health retirement
• teach and train staff to support health and wellbeing

Question 2

what are the advantages of people working in a job?

Answer 2

• earning income
• social connectedness
• status (self esteem)
• security
• purpose/identity

Question 3

what are the consequences of unemployment on individuals?

Answer 3

• increased mental health conditions
• increased physical health conditions
• obesity
• smoking
• psychiatric disorders in children aged 5-15 in families whose parents have never worked 2x more prevalent than in families where parents work low-paid jobs and 5x more prevalent than in those where parents have professional occupations.

Question 4

what is the difference between hazard and risk?

Answer 4

hazard = substance or physical situation with POTENTIAL FOR HARM

risk = PROBABILITY/LIKELIHOOD of the harm or undesired event and the CONSEQUENCES of its occurrence.

one is the thing causing harm (hazard), the other is the chance you will experience it (risk)

Question 5

what types of occupational hazards are there? (6)

Answer 5

• physical
• chemical
• biological
• mechanical/ergonomic
• psychosocial/organisational
• safety

Question 6

describe the different hazards for a car-garage mechanic.

Answer 6

physical/mechanical:
noise, heat, cold, radiation, lifting, carrying, twisting, posture, impact injuries

chemical:
oil, greases, paint, solvents, diesel fumes

psychosocial:
working hours/shifts, demands (workload), bullying, control of how work is done, poor relationships, support, communication, conflicting roles

Question 7

is it a legal requirement for organisations to provide occupational health services?

Answer 7

no but employers must meet requirements of legislation (e.g. providing suitable working environment, minimising hazards, safety plan, access to OH doctor etc.)

Question 8

what is the name of the legislation for work health and safety in UK?

Answer 8

Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974