industrial occupational health and safety

Industrial occupational health is about the effect of work on health and health on work. It means having an occupational health policy that makes sure employees are fit for the work they do. It is about occupational health awareness, prevention rather than cure, and rehabilitating workers after illness.

The main occupational health issues include: occupational asthma; musculoskeletal disorders, including lower back pain; dermatitis; noise and vibration; mental health and stress management; the ageing national workforce, and aspects relating to reduced work performance.

Lost production is seen as the largest cost arising from employee health-related issues. Investing in occupational health and safety and an effective occupational health policy is seen either as cost-neutral or a positive investment.

Occupational health information indicates that the most effective rehabilitation measures are: altering or reducing working hours, changing or modifying previous tasks; maintaining contact with the employee; allowing time off for appointments; and medical assessment of fitness for work.