Occupational health Flashcards
What is the aim of occupational health?
Promotion and maintenance of health and well-being in all occupations by preventing departures from health, providing early interventions, controlling risks and adapting work to people and improving health of those out of work. Concerned with the effect of work on health and pre-existing problems
What services do OH provide?
Prevention of ill-health or exacerbating of pre-existing.
Timely intervention to minimise exposure to a risk
Rehabilitation to return to work
Health assessments and fitness for work
Promotion of health and wellbeing to reduce absence
Teaching and training of staff
What is needed in order for OH to make advisory decisions?
Must fully understand the job requirements and the work environment so requires a day visit.
What is pre work assessment?
Determines if the individual is able to do the job and if adaptations are needed.
e.g. health status, job requirments, fitness for work, restrictions, adaptations
What is a workplace exposure assessment?
Identifies any risks and provides solutions e.g. Hazards, exposures, risk reduction measures, health surveilliance
What type of health outcomes can result from work?
Cause or exacerbate a condition.
May cause ill health, latency, early retirement. May need compensation or reporting.
What are the arguments for work being good for health?
Dependent on nature and quality: Income Social connectivity and interaction Status and self esteem Purpose and identity Security
Why is unemployment bad for health?
Increased smoking, obesity, physical and mental conditions
Impacts children’s psychological wellbeing
Long term absence means they’re less likely to return due to physical or mental incapability.
What is a RISK?
The likelihood of harm occurring and the consequence of its occurence. The probability that a hazard will cause adverse events.
What is a HAZARD?
A substance, agent or physical situation with the potential to harm.
What is a physical hazard?
Noise, temperature, radiation
What is an ergonomic hazard?
Harms musculoskeletal system e.g. lifting, posture, repetition
What is a mechanical hazard?
Impact
What is a chemical hazard?
Oil, solvents, fumes, gas, mist, vapour, fibres, dust
What is a psychosocial hazard?
Working hours, shift pattern, demand, control, bullying, support.
Imbalance between demand and ability
What is the HSE and what is its role?
The health and safety executive has the role of inspection and enforcement, to carry out research and produce statistics, to carry out field investigations along with safety and security.
Which sector has the highest rates of sickness absences?
Public sector over private
What is the legislation provided by the government about OH?
Enacts the health and safety legislation enforced by the HSE to create regulations and a code of practice. Breaching of this is a criminal prosecution. No obligation for a company to provide OH but must meet the legislation.
What is the provision of OH influenced by?
Nature and size of the industry. Less access when in a small enterprise
