What does occupational health do?
looks at the effect of work on people’s health
What is a hazard?
something that could cause harm
What is a risk?
the likelihood of harm occurring
What is a risk factor?
a factor that increases the risk of harm
What is a protective factor?
a factor that decreases the risk of harm
What is susceptibility?
a factor that will influence the likelihood that something will cause harm
What may be a part of an occupational history? DETTOL
−Demands of the job: physical, intellectual
−Environment: shop floor/office, risk factors
−Temporal: shift working, early start
−Travel: business travel
−Organisational: lone working, customers
−Layout: ergonomic aspects of work station, work equipment
What may be part of a functional assessment in occupational health? SMARTIES
Stamina Mobility: walking, bending, stooping Agility: dexterity, posture, coordination Rational: mental state, mood Treatment: side effects, duration Intellectual: cognitive abilities Essential for job: food handlers, driving Sensory aspects: safety
What are the 5 steps of risk assessment?
- identify hazards
- who might be harmed and how
- evaluate risks and decide on precautions
- record findings and implement controls
- review and update when necessary
What is the hierarchy of control measures, from most to least?
- substitution (less hazardous procedure or agent)
- engineering controls (ventilation etc)
- administrative controls (maintenance of equipment etc)
- PPE e.g. hard hats etc
What are the possible health impacts of climate change?
- extreme heat (affect respiratory and CVS disease)
- natural disasters
- variable rainfall can lead to drought/ famine
- floods (contaminated water)
- change in pattern of infection
- malaria strongly influenced by climate
- human migration
How can we create sustainable healthcare? (5)
- education
- carbon reduction strategies
- reducing waste
- new technologies
- increasing global interdependence in healthcare with sharing of resources
