Occupational Physician Duties: Workplace Hazard Identification

What is the primary goal of occupational physicians in the workplace?

During a workplace assessment, what might an occupational physician observe?

What is the purpose of evaluating hazards in the workplace?

What type of hazard might an occupational physician identify in a noisy workplace?

What might an occupational physician recommend to control a chemical hazard?

Why do occupational physicians regularly review and update hazard assessments?

What is the primary purpose of risk assessment in the workplace?

What is the main benefit of using a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) in risk assessment?

What is the role of the occupational physician in the risk assessment process?

What is the purpose of risk prioritization in risk assessment?

What is a What-If Analysis used for in risk assessment?

What is the benefit of using checklists in risk assessment?

Occupational Physician Duties: Workplace Hazard Identification

Overview

Occupational physicians play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating workplace hazards to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
Their duties involve recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazards that can cause illness, injury, or death.

Workplace Hazard Identification

Conducting Workplace Assessments:
- Performing site visits to identify potential hazards
- Observing work processes and practices
- Reviewing incident reports and injury records
Identifying Hazards:
- Physical hazards (e.g., noise, heat, ergonomics)
- Chemical hazards (e.g., toxic substances, airborne contaminants)
- Biological hazards (e.g., infectious diseases, allergens)
- Psychosocial hazards (e.g., stress, bullying, harassment)
Evaluating Hazards:
- Assessing the likelihood and potential impact of hazards
- Determining the level of risk and prioritizing interventions
Developing and Implementing Controls:
- Recommending engineering controls (e.g., ventilation systems, machine guards)
- Implementing administrative controls (e.g., policies, procedures, training)
- Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring proper use
Monitoring and Reviewing:
- Regularly reviewing and updating hazard assessments and controls
- Monitoring workplace incidents and near-misses to identify areas for improvement

Additional Responsibilities

Collaborating with other stakeholders (e.g., management, employees, safety professionals) to develop and implement hazard control measures
Providing education and training to employees on workplace hazards and safety procedures
Maintaining accurate records and reports of hazard assessments and control measures

Learn about the crucial role of occupational physicians in identifying and mitigating workplace hazards to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Understand their duties in conducting workplace assessments, identifying and evaluating hazards, and developing and implementing controls.