Occupational Health Module 14 Occupational health Concerned with

Occupational Health Module 14

Occupational health Concerned with the health of people at work 2016: ● 1. 3 million people suffered from an illness caused or made worse by work ● £ 31. 2 million lost working days

Employee responsibilities ! Everyone should report both physical and mental symptoms of work-related illness or conditions …They may indicate a risk that is not being conrolled in the workplace

Occupational health hazards Hazards include: Physical Chemical Biological Musculoskeletal (ergonomic)

Common occupational illnesses ● ● ● ● Dermatitis Heatstroke Asbestos-related Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) Respiratory diseases Noise and vibration Work-related stress Infections

Occupational health specialists: ● Occupational health nurse ● Specialist practitioners

Stress at work 31 million of working days per year are lost due to work related stress 526, 000 cases of stress reported in 2009/2010 Stress leads to: ● Increased health problems for the individual ● Business – low morale, reduced performance, increased staff turnover The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or demands placed on them

Stress at work ! The employer has a legal duty to prevent or reduce work-related stress Factors to consider: ● ● Pressure of work Working hours Group relationships Management culture.

Work-related violence ● Physical or verbal abuse ● Threat ● Harassment All can cause or increase stress at work ! Employer must assess the risk and put in place control procedures.

Smoking in the workplace All enclosed workplaces must be smoke-free

Drugs and alcohol Effects of taking drugs (including prescribed) or alcohol: ● ● ● Slowed responses Tiredness Lapse of concentration Fooling around Increases risk of accidents.