Occupational medicine

Occupational Medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries occurring at work or in specific occupations. It is an interdisciplinary field involving aspects of epidemiology, preventive medicine, internal medicine, toxicology, public health, radiology, and infectious disease.

History[edit | edit source]

The field of occupational medicine originated in the late 19th century when it was recognized that certain jobs carried an inherent risk of disease and injury. The first occupational medicine specialists were often factory doctors who were employed by the company to improve the health and productivity of the workers.

Scope[edit | edit source]

Occupational medicine specialists work to ensure that the highest standards of health and safety at work can be achieved and maintained. They focus on:

Prevention of health disorders caused by work conditions
Promotion and maintenance of workers' health and working capacity
Improvement of the working environment and work to become conducive to safety and health
Development of work organizations and working cultures in a direction which supports health and safety at work

Occupational Diseases[edit | edit source]

Occupational diseases are disorders that are caused by exposure to hazardous substances or conditions at work. Some common occupational diseases include:

Occupational Injuries[edit | edit source]

Occupational injuries are injuries that occur during the course of employment. They can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious accidents that can lead to disability or death. Some common occupational injuries include:

References[edit | edit source]

Occupational medicine Resources
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