Global Occupational Health

Abstract

“Occupational health” refers to prevention of diseases and injuries as well as management of work and workplace factors that determine the capacity to perform job functions and have the potential for enhancing health. Occupational health is maintained by implementing primary prevention, controlling hazards, and avoiding exposure to hazards. The “hierarchy of controls” is a robust classification of the efficacy of technical measures to control occupational hazards. Furthermore, surveillance at the enterprise level plays a role in ensuring that primary prevention is effective and that secondary prevention measures are in place for workers in whom primary prevention fails. The global burden of disease from occupation-related injuries and illnesses is difficult to quantify but high and under-appreciated. Surveillance at the country level tracks trends in occupational injury and disease reporting and is an essential guide to planning and evaluation. However, structural problems virtually guarantee that nonfatal injuries and especially diseases are under-reported. Occupational health is pivotal in sustainable development and addresses virtually all Sustainable Development Goals. Special problems and opportunities include outreach to small- and medium-scale enterprises, disaster response and emergency management, work ability support, worksite health promotion, performance management of contractors and vendors, and consideration of the special needs of migrant, expatriate, travelling, and informal workers. The relationship between work and health is reciprocal: good (meaning safe, healthy, and decent) work protects and enhances the health of workers and protects the health, well-being, and support of their families and the community.