Occupational health is a field within public health focused on fostering and preserving the highest levels of physical, mental, and social well-being for individuals in all professions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it can be described as the holistic well-being – encompassing physical, mental, and social dimensions – of individuals in connection with their jobs and work environments.

Occupational Health and Safety Discipline: This specialized area is dedicated to the prevention of work-related illnesses and injuries. As outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO, 1995), occupational safety and health includes a range of multidisciplinary actions aimed at:

1. Safeguarding and promoting worker health by eliminating workplace hazards and conditions that present dangers to their well-being and safety. This involves identifying and mitigating risks to create a safer working environment.

2. Enhancing comprehensive worker well-being – physical, mental, and social. This supports the development and maintenance of their ability to work, as well as their professional and social development within their work context, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere.

3. Developing and advocating for sustainable work environments and organizational practices. This focuses on creating workplaces that are not only safe and healthy but also promote long-term well-being and productivity.

Occupational health also pertains to the comprehensive well-being of individuals in relation to their work and surroundings, considering physical, mental, and social factors. It encompasses both how individuals adapt to their work and how work is adapted to suit the individual (Forsman, 1976). The WHO emphasizes occupational health as the “promotion and maintenance of the peak degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in all occupations.” Furthermore, WHO views occupational health services as responsible for the welfare of workers and, where feasible, their families too.

Definition of Terms

1. Occupational Epidemiology: This specialized area of study investigates the patterns and causes of diseases as they relate to workplace factors and exposures. For instance, examining data to understand if factory workers have a higher incidence of respiratory illnesses compared to the general population.

2. Occupational Biostatistics: This is a crucial quantitative method for examining rates of illness and death within working populations, particularly in relation to specific workplace exposures. It is used to statistically analyze health data in occupational settings to identify risks.

3. Ergonomics: This field focuses on designing workplaces and jobs to best suit human capabilities and limitations. This includes the design of machinery, tools, workstations, and work processes to optimize human performance, comfort, and safety. The aim is to boost efficiency and well-being, thereby minimizing workplace accidents and enhancing worker health and productivity through better design.

4. Risk Assessment: This is a systematic process of identifying and analyzing potential hazards and risks in the workplace. It involves evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm to determine necessary preventive actions. Example: Evaluating the risks associated with using heavy machinery in a construction site to determine necessary safety protocols.

5. Hazard Control: This involves putting in place specific measures to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards, thereby minimizing the potential for accidents, injuries, or illnesses. Example: Implementing a ventilation system in a welding workshop to remove harmful fumes and protect worker respiratory health.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): These are specialized garments or equipment designed to be worn by workers to shield them from workplace hazards. Example: Using earplugs in a noisy factory to prevent hearing damage, or wearing respirators when working with airborne particles.

7. Safety Training: This involves educating and training employees on safe work practices, relevant safety regulations, emergency procedures, and hazard recognition. Example: Conducting mandatory training on the safe handling of hazardous materials for all laboratory personnel.

8. Incident Investigation: This is a systematic examination of workplace incidents, accidents, or near misses to pinpoint root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent similar events in the future. Example: Investigating a near-miss where a forklift almost collided with a pedestrian to identify safety lapses and improve traffic management in the warehouse.

9. Workplace Ergonomics: This focuses on designing and arranging workspaces, equipment, and tasks to fit the physical and cognitive capabilities of workers. It aims to promote comfort, safety, efficiency, and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Example: Providing adjustable chairs and desks in an office environment to accommodate different body types and promote good posture.

10. Safety Culture: This refers to the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors within an organization that are dedicated to workplace safety. A positive safety culture prioritizes safety in all aspects of work. Example: A company culture where employees are encouraged to report safety concerns without fear of reprisal and where management actively supports safety initiatives and improvements.

Aims/Objectives of Occupational Safety and Health

1. To foster and sustain the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being for all workers in every occupation. Example: Ensuring that all employees have access to resources and programs that support their overall health and wellness, creating a workplace that actively promotes well-being.

2. To prevent harm to workers’ health from adverse working conditions that could negatively impact their well-being. Example: Implementing robust safety protocols and monitoring systems to protect workers from exposure to hazardous noise levels or extreme temperatures.

3. To protect employees from work-related dangers and hazards that may arise during their employment. Example: Establishing comprehensive emergency response plans and providing regular drills to ensure workers are prepared for potential workplace emergencies and know how to react safely.

4. To establish and maintain a work environment adapted to meet the physiological and psychological needs of workers. Example: Designing office spaces with natural light and plants, and providing break areas to support mental well-being and reduce workplace stress.

5. To ensure work is suitable for individuals and individuals are well-matched to their jobs. Example: Conducting pre-employment assessments to ensure individuals are physically and mentally capable of performing the required job duties safely and effectively, and providing necessary job modifications or accommodations where needed.