Occupational Health.pdf

eatd, 2023 -2024 Occupational Health No work is completely risk free and all health care professionals should have some basic knowledge workforce populations, work and related hazards, and methods to control hazards and improve health. Occupational Health: Aim...

eatd, 2023 -2024 Occupational Health No work is completely risk free and all health care professionals should have some basic knowledge workforce populations, work and related hazards, and methods to control hazards and improve health. Occupational Health: Aims to promote and maintenance the highest degree of physical, mental & social wellbeing of workers in all occupation. Definition and Scope of Occupational Health Nursing The specialty practice that focuses on the promotion, prevention of disease and injury and restoration of health within the safe and healthy environment, thence to achieve optimal health and high productivity. 1. It represents a dynamic equilibrium between the worker and his occupational environment. 2. It involves the prevention of adverse health effects occupational and environmental hazards. 3. It provides for and delivers occupational and environmental health and safety services to workers, worker populations, and community groups. Objectives of Occupational Health I. To maintain and promote the workers' health and working capacity. 2. To the improvement of working environment and work 3. Development of work organization in a direction which supports health and safety at work 4. To prevent occupational diseases and injuries. 5. To adapt the work place and work environment to the needs of the workers i.e. application of ergonomics principle. 6. It should be preventive rather than curative. Occupational Health Nurse Work Setting I. Traditional manufacturing 2. Services (banking, restaurants). 3. Industries. 4. Health care facilities. 5. Construction sites. 6. government settings. Scope of Practice: 1. Worker/ workplace assessment and surveillance 2. Primary care 3. Counseling 4. Health promotion/protection 5. Administration and management 6. Research 7. Community orientation The Professional Organization for Occupational Health Nurses is The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) Functions: 1. Promotes the health and safety of workers. 2. Defines the scope of practice and sets the standards of occupational health nursing practice. 3. Promotes and provides continuing education in the specialty. 4. Advances the profession through supporting research.  Host (Worker & Family) Age11-t E11viro11-1n e11.t (workplace Hazards) (External Factors) Host Host Factors are Associated with Increased Risks to the Workplace Each worker represents a host within the working population group: 1. Age and Gender 2. Health Status 3. Work Practice 4. Ethnicity 5. Lifestyle factors The host factors of age, gender and work experience combine by increased risk for injury due to: 1. Lack of knowledge 2. Lack of familiarity with the new job.  -- ----- Older workers have increased risk due to: 1. Diminished sensory abilities. 2. The effect of chronic illnesses. 3. Delayed reaction times. Women in child bearing years very susceptible to workplace exposure because: 1. The hormonal changes during these years. 2. Trans-placental exposures. Agent 1. Biological Agents: - Are living organisms are capable of causing human diseases by infectious process. - Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi - Common in workplace (Health Care Facilities and Clinical Laboratories). 2. Chemical agents: Various forms of chemicals a. Medications b. Solutions c. Gases d. Vapors, aerosols 3. Environmental and mechanical Agents: Are those that can potentially cause accidents, injury, strain or discomfort e.g? a. safe/ inadequate equipment b. Lifting devices and lifting heavy loads. c. Slippery floors d. Repetitive motions. 4. Physical agent: Within the work environment include the following: a. Temperature extremes. b. Vibration (affects internal organs, supportive ligaments and the shoulder girdle structure). c. Noise d. Radiation e. Lighting f. Electricity Personal protective equipment includes: 1. Hearing protection 2. Eye guards 3. Protective clothing 4. Devices for monitoring exposure to agents such as radiation 5. Psychosocial agents: Interpersonal relationships among Employees and Coworkers and Managers are often sources of conflict and stress.