The above definition alone is not enough to describe the range of
activities carried out by Occupational Health Services. There are a number
of functions listed in the Convention, and these are summarised hereunder:-
-
Identification and assessment of the risks from health
hazards in the workplace. This involves surveillance of the factors
in the working environment and working practices which may affect workers'
health. It also requires a systematic approach to the analysis of occupational
"accidents", and occupational diseases.
-
Advising on planning and organisation of work and working practices,
including the design of work-places, and on the evaluation, choice and
maintenance of equipment and on substances used at work. In so doing, the
adaptation of work to the worker is promoted.
-
Providing advice, information, training and education, on occupational
health, safety and hygiene and on ergonomics and
protective equipment.
-
Contributing to occupational rehabilitation
and maintaining in employment people of working age, or assisting in the return
to employment of those who are unemployed for reasons of ill health or
disability.
-
Organising first aid and emergency treatment.
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