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Occupational Health Nursing

Unit 7 Lesson 3

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Student Learning Outcomes

Identify the role of nurses in occupational health settings
Explain global occupational health challenges and interventions
Identify the nurse's role in promoting workplace health and safety

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Occupational Health Nursing

Specialized field focusing on worker health and safety
Combines health promotion and safety measures
Role of Occupational Health Nurses (OHNs)

Assess workplace hazards and risks
Manage and implement health and safety programs
Advocate for safe and healthy work environments

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Role of Nurses in Occupational Health Settings 1

Unique Skill Set

Nursing science
Public health
Occupational health
Case management
Business management

Worker Health Advocacy

Guide informed health decisions
Promote healthy/safe working environment

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Role of Nurses in Occupational Health Settings 2

Key Activities

Provide support and guidance on health matters
Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations

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Key Responsibilities of OHNs 1

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Conduct worker health assessments

New hire drug screenings
Mental health promotion/ assessment
Maintain updates related to health/ safety regulations and standards

Develop and implement health education programs
Focus on preventing workplace-related illnesses and injuries

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Key Responsibilities of OHNs 2

Ensuring Safe Work Environments

Perform workplace hazard assessments
Implement and monitor preventive measures
Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments

Perform workplace exposure and biohazard risk assessments

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Key Responsibilities of OHNs 3

Case Management

Coordinate care for injured workers
Ensure timely and effective treatment plans
Facilitate workers' return to work safely

Collaborate with supervisors/provider to maintain work restrictions

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Key Responsibilities of OHNs 4

Education and Training

Develop and conduct training on safety protocols
Educate on personal protective equipment (PPE) use
Promote ergonomic practices to prevent injuries

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Critical Thinking Question

A factory worker complains of frequent headaches and dizziness. The occupational health nurse notices a strong chemical odor in the worker's area. Which action should the nurse take first to address this situation?

A) Advise the worker to take a break and drink water.

B) Conduct a workplace assessment to identify potential hazards.

C) Refer the worker to a physician for further evaluation.

D) Provide the worker with information about stress management techniques.

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Global Occupational Health Challenges 1

Workplace Injuries and Fatalities

High global incidence
Need for effective safety interventions
Example

In 2021, 2.6 million nonfatal injuries reported in U.S. private industry

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Chemical, dust, vapor, and fume exposures
Over 1 billion workers exposed annually, leading to chronic health issues

ILO, n.d.

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Global Occupational Health Challenges 2

Biological Hazards

Risks from viruses, bacteria, microorganisms
Highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic

Mental Health Risks

Stress
Job insecurity
Poor work-life balance
Leads to decreased productivity and increased accidents

ILO, n.d.

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Global Interventions 1

Total Worker Health®

Integrates safety with health promotion
Addresses

Wages
Workload
Healthcare access

Regulations and Standards

OSHA and NIOSH set and enforce safety standards
Aim to prevent illnesses by ensuring compliance with safety regulations

ILO, n.d.

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Global Interventions 2

Ergonomics

Prevention of injuries through workstation design
Enhances productivity
Reduces strain-related injuries

Mental Health Promotion

Create supportive work environments
Raise awareness
Provide mental health resources

ILO, n.d.

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Critical Thinking Question

An occupational health nurse is planning a health promotion program aimed at reducing workplace stress in a large corporate office. Which of the following strategies should the nurse implement?

A) Organize weekly yoga sessions and provide information on nutrition.

B) Schedule monthly meetings on stress management techniques.

C) Develop a program that includes ergonomic assessments, access to mental health resources, and management training on recognizing stress.

D) Encourage employees to take more frequent breaks during work hours.

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Promoting Workplace Health and Safety 1

Health and Safety Programs

Develop tailored programs addressing specific hazards
Evaluate and revise for improved workplace outcomes

Education and Advocacy

Conduct education sessions on health/safety needs
Advocate for worker rights on health/ safety risks and resources
Evaluate and educate on compliance with occupational health and safety laws and regulation

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Promoting Workplace Health and Safety 2

Raising Awareness

Educate on potential hazards and promote safe practices
Encourage employee participation in safety programs

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Critical Thinking Question

During a global health conference, an occupational health nurse learns about new international regulations concerning chemical exposure. How should the nurse apply this new knowledge in their current workplace?

A) Update existing safety posters with new information.

B) Review and revise the workplace's chemical safety protocols.

C) Conduct a seminar on the importance of following regulations.

D) Implement a wellness challenge focusing on overall employee health.

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