What Is Occupational Health?

Occupational Health is the study of the workplace and how it can impact our health. Occupational health and safety is a multidisciplinary field devoted to ensuring that we’re as healthy as possible while at work. In this article we’ll discuss some of the key aspects of occupational health. Once you’ve read this article, you’ll be a better advocate for workplace health and safety. But how can you make sure you’re getting the most from it?

Employees today are choosy about which companies they want to work for. A good health benefit package is one way to attract and keep top talent. Many employees value a company’s health benefits more than anything. Offering health benefits is a great way to show that you care about your employees and are investing in their well-being. And because a healthy workforce is more productive, it will lead to better customer service and increased customer satisfaction.

The best way to keep employees healthy at work is to take proactive steps to prevent illnesses. If an employee is absent due to a gastrointestinal infection or a respiratory illness, it will affect workflow and profitability. Occupational health providers can also help you manage chronic disease. The benefits of occupational health services extend beyond health insurance. By addressing risks and unfavorable health conditions, occupational health services can help you prevent accidents and illnesses, increase employee productivity, and even reduce healthcare costs.

In the early days of the Industrial Revolution, the focus on occupational health focused on manual labor. Thousands of factories sprung up after the Civil War. While these jobs provided thousands of jobs, many of them were filled with hazardous conditions and inexperienced workers. In addition, factories were poorly ventilated, causing workers to breathe in toxic fumes and accumulated dust. As a result, many employees suffered health conditions that were largely preventable.

Occupational health students also learn about the science of toxicology and the applications of it in the workplace. They study the adverse effects of various types of chemicals, including pesticides, food additives, and industrial chemicals. An MPH degree in occupational health can help you work with organizations that focus on public health and safety, and you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in the workplace environment. This degree is an excellent choice for those who want a career in the field, but don’t want to sacrifice your personal schedule for school.

The number of workplace fatalities has dropped dramatically in recent years, thanks in part to OSHA and other safety regulations. According to the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, an estimated 6,300 people die every day due to a workplace accident. Likewise, nearly 300 million people suffer from a work-related illness every year. Those statistics don’t include the millions of workers who become disabled from repetitive movements. The lack of income means a loss of social protection and human resources to national economies.

Occupational health services can also help protect employees and employers by providing medical care that prevents injuries and illnesses. The program may also include behavioral health services. Employees may benefit from coaching and tools to improve their wellbeing. Telemedicine and behavioral health experts can be consulted for treatment. On-site clinics may also be helpful. Injured workers may also receive treatment plans as part of their worker’s compensation insurance. When an injury occurs, workers may also receive treatment in a centralized care management system.