6-Week 9
6-Week 9
WEEK 9
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
LETS GO OVER
_____________________________________________________________________________
TERMS TO
REMEMBER
Occupational health
Read Information very well then find out how much you can
remember and how much you learned by answering Self-check
activity 2
LET’S DISCUSS
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Occupational health is the promotion of the safety and also the risk management within the
workplace and its surroundings. This is also the act of abiding the higher ups when it comes to
managing the health and safety of the employers and the employees, they are the ones responsible
for the things such as managing the equipment and maintaining the cleanliness of the whole place.
This also helps the company to conduct proper seminars and training that they'll provide their
employees. Occupational health also provides and ensures that they are capable of being active in
such situations. This will also provide the things that are essential when it comes to accidents or
dangerous situations, this comes with the countermeasures such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.
Occupational
health has different
objectives and concepts. It
also differs on how it is
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perceived. The main ones are; the maintenance and promotion of workers’ health and working
capacity, the improvement of working environment and work to become conducive to safety and
health and the development of work organizations and working cultures. There are also concepts that
are commonly known which are Hazard, Risk, Accident, Incident and Ergonomics. These are just a
few of the things that can be listed here.
Occupational health in a workplace area is something that implies and regulates the health of
their workers by the means of their workplace. This also ensures their safety when they are working
on the facilities during and after working hours.
Occupational health and safety has different pros when it comes to its thoughts. Abiding these
rules also provides the benefits of safety and lesser risk when they're working. Here are a few things
that are being considered important;
This prevents the employees from getting overworked resulting in stress.
This also keeps the employees from the possible dangers that are being posed by their
equipment and the workplace itself.
This also promotes the cleanliness of the site for the employees to work in a healthy
environment with the least risk of getting infections.
Implementing the proper uniform to be worn to protect them to be protected from chemical
hazards that are posed in the site depending on their industry that they are working in
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site. The workplace itself are regularly visited by the government or department that are responsible
for making sure that companies are being obedient by the rules that are passed down from the higher
ups. This also discusses about how the company manages their time for work, the employees when
they are commencing a seminar or a training. Those activities are what helps their employees to keep
on working with the feeling of being sure that they are protected and is being cared for by their
employers. Although accidents may occur anytime, with the provided training and team building
activities, they will have the idea on how to act properly without hesitation due to their experience.
This will also give them the idea on how they would act outside the workplace itself. Alongside these
stuffs, they are also expected to always perform their utmost conduct and abide by these rules for
them to be safe and healthy.
How can organizations promote a culture of health and well-being in the workplace?
Questions To Ponder
What are some emerging trends or challenges in the field of occupational health?
V. Occupational Health
To fully comprehend Occupational Health, individuals need to grasp its fundamental concepts.
According to resources provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and
Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM), Occupational Health encompasses various
aspects such as identifying workplace hazards, preventing occupational illnesses and injuries,
promoting worker well-being, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Understanding these
concepts lays the foundation for developing effective strategies to safeguard the health and safety of
workers in any industry.
Occupational Health plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. It
not only protects the well-being of employees but also contributes to organizational productivity and
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sustainability. By addressing occupational hazards, implementing preventive measures, and
promoting health promotion initiatives, occupational health helps reduce absenteeism, improve
morale, and enhance overall productivity. Moreover, prioritizing occupational health demonstrates a
commitment to corporate social responsibility and regulatory compliance, fostering a positive
reputation for the organization.
c. Providing comprehensive training on safety protocols and the proper use of personal
protective equipment (PPE).
d. Establishing health surveillance programs to monitor and track the health status of
employees exposed to occupational risks.
a. Establishing clear policies and procedures for hazard identification, risk assessment,
and control measures.
c. Implementing safety training programs for all employees, covering topics such as hazard
recognition, emergency response, and ergonomics.
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e. Promoting a culture of safety through communication, training, and employee
engagement initiatives.
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preventive measures. Health surveillance may involve regular medical examinations,
health screenings, and tracking of occupational injury and illness rates.
5. Return-to-Work Programs: In cases where workers experience injuries or
illnesses that temporarily or permanently affect their ability to work, occupational health
professionals may develop return-to-work programs to facilitate their reintegration into
the workforce while ensuring their health and safety.
1. Maintain Correct Posture Use correct posture to protect your back while at
work. If you sit at a desk, keep your shoulders and hips in line and avoid hunching over.
Use correct form when lifting objects and avoid twisting and stooping.
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2. Take Breaks Regularly Feeling tired and burned out makes you less likely to
be aware of your surroundings and is a common cause of workplace injuries. Regular
breaks help you stay fresh and alert on the job. It is particularly important to take short
breaks when you have a task that requires repetitive movements over a long period of
time.
3. Use Equipment Properly Always take the proper precautions when operating
machinery or using tools. Taking shortcuts is a leading cause of workplace injuries. Use
the appropriate tool for the job, and use it in the right way.
4. Locate Emergency Exits Always know where emergency exits are located
and keep the path to them clear. You should also have clear access to emergency
shutoffs on machinery.
5. Report Safety Concerns If you notice a potential safety hazard or risk, report
it to your supervisor immediately so they can address the situation. Keep
communication lines open and work as a team to create a safe working environment.
6. Make Use of Mechanical Aids Take the extra time to obtain a wheelbarrow,
crank, conveyor belt, forklift or other mechanical aid to assist you in lifting heavy
objects.
7. Reduce Workplace Stress Stress can contribute to difficulty concentrating
and depression, which make it hard to be alert at work. There are many causes of
stress at work including conflicts with others, heavy workloads, long hours and job
insecurity.
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3. Ergonomic Design and Workstation Evaluation: Ensure workstations and
equipment are ergonomically designed to prevent injuries.
4. Health Promotion Initiatives: Offer wellness programs and resources to
support physical and mental well-being.
5. Medical Surveillance and Health Monitoring: Implement medical
surveillance to monitor employee health and detect early signs of illnesses or injuries.
6. Safety Training and Education: Provide comprehensive safety training
tailored to different job roles.
7. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offer confidential support and
resources to address personal and work-related issues.
8. Continuous Improvement and Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the program's
effectiveness and make improvements as needed
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The health of every employee is important in any industry they are in, especially their well-
being. Aside from physical strength and safety, mental health also became a priority in occupational
health as it can also be a hindrance to a successful business if a worker cannot function well because
of mental problems.
Dealing with workplace issues can reduce risks to employees, have better productivity, reduce
absenteeism, enhance morale, improve overall job satisfaction, and it can create a safe and healthy
workplace. An employee must feel supported and valued, with that, they could be more productive
and motivated with a better output in their respective tasks.
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Employers should monitor their employees' well-being and provide advice for health
improvement.
3. Enhancing Employee Performance
Researching methods to enhance performance and safety at work is important.
Occupational Health
Occupational health and safety are some of the most pressing human concerns. It aims to tailor the
working environment to workers' needs in order to promote and sustain the highest degree of
physical, mental, and social well-being among workers of all professions. Workplace health and
safety is becoming a more pressing global concern. The key contributors to this anomaly appear to
be rapid industrial and agricultural expansion in emerging countries, as well as the development of
new items and processes in these regions. Many of these countries are shifting from manual labor to
service automation in their core productive sectors, such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture,
therefore potential occupational health repercussions should be considered. Furthermore, these
countries' unquenchable thirst for technological improvement has resulted in the importation of
advanced technology and equipment not just in the industrial production sector but also in services
and commerce.
Occupational health and safety is a method of protecting workers from injury while they are
performing their duties. There are several important benefits to occupational health, Including a
reduction in millions of injuries each year, protection from serious injury, and increased workplace
productivity. When creating and executing an occupational health and safety program, consider the
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following benefits: reduced injuries, improved employee safety, lower costs, and increased
productivity.
Many careers exist within the field of occupational health and safety, both in government
agencies and private companies. A variety of degrees and certifications are available for people
interested in the field.
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Fire inspector: Identifies potential hazards that could lead to a fire or explosion; ensures
adherence to fire codes; typically works for government agencies but may also be employed in the
private sector
Well-being manager: Creates and runs programs to support workers' physical and mental
health.
Industrial hygienist: Anticipates and tries to prevent workplace hazards; has specialized
knowledge of biological and physical materials that could cause health or safety problems;
implements strategies to minimize risks.
Occupational health is described as "enabling people to perform their jobs in a way that
causes the least harm to their health."
Here are some of your health and safety responsibilities:
Identify and manage dangers: Finding possible threats to the health and safety of your staff
members and taking action to eliminate or lessen those risks are part of this.
Provide training: Ensure that your employees know how to work properly and what to do in
an emergency.
Enforce the safety rules: Establish clear guidelines for your staff and ensure they abide by
them.
Provide personal protective equipment (PPE): Make sure your staff members have and are
using personal protective equipment (PPE) if necessary for their safety.
Establish a culture of safety: Make sure your employees are comfortable speaking up about
safety issues.
Occupational health
Occupational health is a crucial field dedicated to ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of
workers in all professions. It's a multidisciplinary approach that combines various aspects to create a
healthy and productive work environment.
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Promotion and Maintenance of Worker Well-being: This encompasses physical, mental,
and social well-being. Occupational health programs strive to create work environments that
don't negatively impact these aspects of a worker's life.
Protection from Occupational Risks: This involves safeguarding workers from exposure to
harmful substances, repetitive motions, long working hours, and psychological stressors.
Occupational Medicine: This specialized field of medicine deals with the diagnosis,
treatment, and prevention of work-related illnesses and injuries. Occupational physicians
assess workers' health, recommend workplace modifications, and advise on safe work
practices.
Workplace Safety: This aspect deals with preventing accidents and injuries in the workplace.
It involves implementing safety protocols, providing proper training, and using personal
protective equipment (PPE).
Ergonomics: This science optimizes the interaction between workers and their work
environment. Ergonomists analyze workstations, tools, and tasks to ensure they fit the worker's
physical capabilities and minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Occupational health is far more than just a box to tick on a legal compliance checklist. It's a
fundamental element of creating a successful and sustainable workplace.
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Protecting Worker Safety and Well-being:
Reduced Risk of Injuries and Illnesses: A strong occupational health program proactively
identifies and addresses hazards in the workplace. This minimizes the risk of accidents,
injuries, and exposure to harmful substances, safeguarding worker health.
Promoting Physical and Mental Well-being: Occupational health goes beyond physical
safety. It encompasses mental health initiatives to address work-related stress, burnout, and
fatigue. This leads to a healthier, happier workforce.
Reduced Absenteeism: When workers are healthy and safe, they're less likely to miss work
due to illness or injury. This directly translates to increased productivity and efficiency.
Improved Employee Engagement: Feeling valued and supported fosters a sense of well-
being and loyalty among employees. This leads to higher engagement, better decision-making,
and overall improved performance.
Lower Healthcare Costs: Fewer work-related injuries and illnesses translate to a significant
reduction in healthcare costs for companies. This includes both direct costs (treatment) and
indirect costs (lost productivity).
Lower Insurance Premiums: Businesses with a strong safety record often qualify for lower
workers' compensation and other insurance premiums.
Attracting and Retaining Top Talent: A strong focus on employee health and well-being
makes a company more attractive to potential hires. It demonstrates a commitment to creating
a positive work environment, fostering a sense of loyalty among existing staff.
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Enhanced Public Image: Companies known for prioritizing occupational health project a
positive image, demonstrating social responsibility and ethical business practices. This
strengthens brand reputation and consumer trust.
a strong occupational health program is an investment, not just a cost. It creates a win-win
situation for both employers and employees. Businesses benefit from a healthier, happier, and
more productive workforce, while employees enjoy a safe and secure work environment that
promotes their overall well-being.
A well-rounded occupational health program encompasses various initiatives that address the
physical, mental, and social well-being of workers.
Implementing Safe Work Practices: Develop and enforce safe work procedures for specific
tasks. This could include proper lifting techniques, machine operation protocols, and personal
protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
Maintaining Equipment: Regularly inspect and maintain machinery and equipment to ensure
they function safely and efficiently.
Health Screening Programs: Offer periodic health screenings to identify potential health risks
early on. This could include screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, hearing, and vision.
Wellness Programs: Promote healthy lifestyle choices through initiatives like fitness
challenges, healthy eating campaigns, and stress management workshops.
Job Rotation: Implement job rotation programs to minimize repetitive motions and reduce the
risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Training on Proper Posture and Body Mechanics: Train employees on proper posture and
body mechanics to prevent injuries from lifting, bending, and reaching.
Building a Positive Work Culture: Foster a supportive and inclusive work environment that
prioritizes open communication and employee well-being .
Regular Safety Meetings: Conduct regular safety meetings to discuss hazards, safe work
practices, and incident reporting procedures.
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Management buy-in is crucial. Senior leadership needs to demonstrate a strong commitment
to occupational health and safety. This can be achieved by allocating resources, actively
participating in safety initiatives, and promoting a culture of safety.
Once hazards are identified, implement control measures to minimize the risks. This could
involve engineering controls (e.g., ventilation systems), administrative controls (e.g., safe work
procedures), or providing personal protective equipment.
Promote a culture of health and well-being through various initiatives. This could include
health screenings, vaccinations (if applicable), wellness programs, and encouraging healthy
lifestyle choices.
Recognize the importance of mental health. Offer stress management programs, provide
access to confidential counseling services, and foster a supportive work environment.
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Encourage employees to report all work-related injuries and illnesses, no matter how
minor. Investigate incidents thoroughly to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.
9. Continuous Improvement:
Occupational health is an ongoing process. Regularly review your program, monitor its
effectiveness, and make adjustments as needed based on new information and evolving
workplace conditions
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