1. Occupational Health
Module 14

2. Concerned with the health of people at work
Occupational health
2016:
1.3 million people suffered from an illness caused or made worse by work
£31.2 million lost working days
Concerned with the health of people at work

3. 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

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

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

6. Occupational health specialists
Occupational health nurse
Specialist practitioners

7. 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

8. The employer has a legal duty to prevent or reduce work-related stress
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.

9. 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. !

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

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