Occupational Health: Core Areas of Knowledge and Competence, Part 1

A very complex and dynamic process, such as nursing, is not easy to describe in basic actions or tasks. The Occupational Safety and Health Nurse (OHA) is constantly learning new skills, adapting current practices to meet new needs and developing new approaches to problem solving, so their practice is not static, but is constantly being improved on the basis of a number of basic skills.

However, within this limit, the basic areas of knowledge and skills used by occupational health nurses can be described. The following list is not exhaustive, but gives an idea of the wide range of skills that occupational health nurses demonstrate in practice.

Doctor

Primary prevention

OHA is an expert in primary injury prevention or disease prevention. A nurse can identify, evaluate, and plan for intervention, for example, to change the work environment, work systems, or working methods to reduce the risk of exposure to hazards. Occupational health nurses are able to strike a balance between factors such as human behaviour and habits and actual occupational practices. The nurse can also help identify, develop and adjust work factors, choose personal protective equipment, prevent workplace accidents and occupational diseases, and advise on the environment. Thanks to the close relationship of occupational health practitioners with workers, as well as their knowledge and experience in the workplace, they are well placed to identify early changes in working methods, identify health and safety concerns for employees, and ensure their independent leadership. Objectively can be a catalyst for changes in the workplace leading to primary prevention.

Ambulance

OHA is a registered nurse with extensive clinical experience and expertise in the treatment of patients and trauma sufferers. A nurse, if these responsibilities are part of her job, can provide emergency first aid to workers injured at work before the injured worker is transferred to the hospital or an ambulance arrives. In many cases, where unsafe working conditions exist or where the workplace is far from other health facilities, this role will be an important part of the work of a professional physician. Occupational health nurses working in mines, oil rigs, desert areas or areas where health systems are not yet fully developed will be familiar with a wide range of emergency care methods and may develop additional skills to fulfil this role. Others who work in situations where emergency services are present can simply provide an additional level of support other than industrial lifeguard support.

Nursing diagnosis

Occupational health nurses are able to assess clients’ care needs, diagnose nursing and prepare appropriate nursing plans in collaboration with patients or customer groups to meet these needs. Nurses can then implement and evaluate nurse interventions to achieve their goals. The nurse plays a leading role in assessing the needs of individuals and groups and can analyze, interpret, plan and implement strategies to achieve specific goals. Through the nursing process, the nurse contributes to the management of health in the workplace and thus helps improve the health of the workplace. A nursing diagnosis is a holistic concept that not only focuses on the treatment of a particular disease, but also takes into account the individual as a whole and their need for care in a broader context. It is a model based on health, not a disease model, and nurses have the skills to apply this approach to the working groups they serve.

General health recommendations and health assessment

OHA will be able to advise on a wide range of health issues, such as their relationship to job fitness, occupational health and safety, or changes to work or work. Working conditions with changes in health. Employee Status.

In many ways, employers are not only concerned about working-related conditions, but also want their health and safety staff to help address any health problems that may arise that may affect the workplace. Employees are in attendance or productivity at work, and many workers appreciate this level of help being provided to them in the workplace because it is so convenient for them. In particular, the expansion of health services for working men, young people and people from ethnic backgrounds may be most effective in reaching these sometimes hard-to-reach populations.

Research and use of evidence-based practice

In addition to using the information and knowledge gained from research in various fields to support work related to the health and safety component, occupational health nurses will also make full use of available research information in many areas to assess the overall health of staff. Support. .

Specialist

Develop, implement and evaluate occupational health policies and practices

A nurse specializing in occupational health and company management can be involved in the development of occupational health policies and strategies, including occupational health, occupational health promotion and environmental management. Nurse OA has every opportunity to advise guidance on the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of professional health management strategies and to participate fully at each of these stages. The ability to perform this role depends on the level of nursing education, skills and experience.