3 Occupational Health Services: Key Concepts and Functions

Occupational Health Services (OHS) Overview

• Definition: OHS focus on preventive health functions, advising employers on maintaining safe and healthy work conditions.
• Main Goals:
  • Ensure safe work conditions.
  • Promote health and work ability of employees.

Main Functions and Tasks

• Health Monitoring: Regular medical examinations to assess workers' health in relation to their job.
• Risk Mitigation: Develop strategies to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards.
• Training: Conduct training on occupational health and safety for employees and management.

Risk Assessment

• Importance: Essential for preventing occupational accidents and promoting worker health.
• Process:
  1. Identify hazards (materials, practices).
  2. Evaluate risk (chance of harm).
  3. Implement controls to mitigate risks.
• Responsibilities: Employers must conduct risk assessments regularly with OHS support.

Definitions

• Hazard: Anything that can cause harm.
• Risk: The likelihood of harm occurring from a hazard.
• Risk Assessment: A systematic evaluation of risks associated with workplace hazards.

Levels of Risk Assessment

1. Establish program
2. Gather information
3. Identify hazards and exposed workers
4. Document and verify assessments
5. Implement actions to reduce risks
6. Monitor and review effectiveness of measures

Occupational Hazards Types

• Chemical Agents (e.g., gases, dust)
• Physical Factors (e.g., noise, radiation)
• Biological Agents (e.g., viruses)
• Psychological Stressors
• Ergonomic Factors

Preliminary and Periodic Medical Examinations

• Purpose: Assess fitness for work and early illness detection.
• Frequency:
  • Under 18: Annually
  • Ages 18-40: Every 5 years
  • 40+: Every 3 years
• Components of Examination:
  • Medical history, physical exams, tests (e.g., blood pressure, ECG).

Legislative Framework

• Key Documents:
  • Directive 89/391/EEC on safety and health at work.
  • National laws on occupational health and safety regulations.

Self-Check Questions

1. What are the tasks of occupational health services?
2. Define risk assessment.
3. What steps are involved in forming a risk assessment?
4. What is the role of medical examinations in occupational health?
5. How should workers be certified after medical examinations?