Introduction to Occupational Health Flashcards
Define occupational medicine.
The discipline concerned with the effects of work on health and the influence of pre-existent health problems on the capacity to work.
Give the WHO’s definition of occupational health.
The promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social wellbeing of workers in all occupations by preventing departures from health and controlling risks, the adaptation of work to people and people to their work.
Which institution sets standards for occupational medicine and manages training in occupational medicine?
The Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM).
Give an example of an institution relating to occupational health that provides education and facilities for healthcare professionals.
The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM).
List 3 roles of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in occupational health.
1 - Reviewing regulations.
2 - Producing research.
3 - Enforcing health and safety law.
Define occupational disease.
Any disease contracted primarily as a result of an exposure to risk factors arising from work activity.
What is the difference between a work-related disease and an occupational disease?
A work-related disease can have multiple causes, where factors in the work environment play a role with other external risk factors.
List 6 professionals involved in occupational health.
1 - Occupational physician.
2 - General practitioners.
3 - Occupational health nurses.
4 - Occupational hygienists.
5 - Occupational psychologists.
6 - Physiotherapists.
List 4 benefits of occupational health to the employee.
1 - Protect and promote health.
2 - Help prevent work-related illness.
3 - Maintain earnings.
4 - Maintain quality of life.
List 6 benefits of occupational health to the employer.
1 - Help to reduce sickness absence.
2 - Improve business performance.
3 - Improve corporate image.
4 - Improve morale.
5 - Give advice on alternative suitable work for people with health problems.
6 - Give advice on medical health and ill-health retirements.
List 3 benefits of occupational health to the economy.
1 - To reduce NHS care costs.
2 - To reduce costs of state benefits.
3 - To increase tax revenues.
List 4 consequences of unemployment on health.
1 - Increases risk of physical health conditions.
2 - Increases risk of mental health conditions.
3 - Increases likelihood of smoking.
4 - Increases likelihood of obesity.
List 5 objectives of the WHO’s Global Plan of Action on Workers’ Health (2008-2017).
1 - To devise and implement policies on workers’ health.
2 - To protect and promote health at the workplace.
3 - To improve the performance of and access to occupational health services.
4 - To provide and communicate evidence for action and practice.
5 - To incorporate workers’ health into other policies.
What proportion of the UK workforce has access to comprehensive occupational health services?
3%.
List 5 legal requirements for businesses regarding occupational hazards.
1 - To provide risk assessments.
2 - Prevention and control of exposure.
3 - Maintenance and effectiveness of control techniques.
4 - Health surveillance.
5 - Information, instruction and training for exposed workers.
