Importance Of Occupational Health

Occupational Health has been defined as “the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations by preventing departures from health, controlling risks and the adaptation of work to people, and people to their jobs” (ILO / WHO, 1950). While this definition is more than 50 years old, it has not changed in meaning over the years. Case-in-point, WHO (2001) defines occupational health as “the enhancement of the physical, mental and social well-being of workers and support for the development and maintenance of their working capacity, as well as professional and social development at work.” Occupational health is a recognised field within the health and medical profession and it is …show more content…
No. 85 of 1993) which provides for more protection for employees as well as stating responsibilities of the employer to ensure that the workplace is safe and healthy. There is also The White Paper for the Transformation of the Health System in South Africa Act (1997) which recognises that occupational health has been sadly neglected in the past. It states that the development of such services is a key priority of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (R.D.P) and the Department of Health and that occupational health services should focus on providing services, human resource development, conducting research and distributing information to improve workers’ health status. Therefore, as occupational health is within our scope of practice as physiotherapists (HPCSA, 1976), it is against legislation to not participate in and provide occupational health services within our communities. Compiling an appropriate team will assist in the successful outcome of an occupational health programme as well as broadening your knowledge as a physiotherapist as you can learn from other