Occupational Medicine

Occupational medicine is the branch of clinical medicine most active in the field of occupational health. OM specialists work to ensure that the highest standards of occupational health and safety can be achieved and maintained. While it may involve a wide number of disciplines, it centers on the preventive medicine and management of illness, injury or disability that is related to the workplace.[1] Occupational physicians must have a wide knowledge of clinical medicine and be competent in a number of important areas. They often advise international bodies, governmental and state agencies, organizations and trade unions. There are contextual links to insurance medicine.

Nature of the work

Occupational medicine specialises in the diagnosis, management and prevention of disease due to, or exacerbated by, workplace factors. It is concerned with all aspects of the effects of work on health and health on work.

Working in occupational medicine

Occupational physicians visit workplaces and assess a range of work-related health issues. Helping people to stay at work or to return to work following accident or illness is a key part of their role. The work is varied, combining clinical medical practice with the need to influence and shape the behaviour of both individuals and organisations. In addition to NHS work, there are also increasing numbers of independent providers offering good opportunities for part-time, varied employment. Many large organisations in both manufacturing and service industries have their own in-house occupational health services offering further employment opportunities for occupational physicians, although this is a diminishing trend.

As the importance of employment to health and wellbeing become more understood, occupational medicine is moving up the political agenda and likely to play a larger role in future government policy.

Common procedures / interventions

Occupational physicians assess workplace health risks and work with others to formulate methods of controlling those risks. They typically deal with issues such as work-related stress, diseases caused by asbestos, noise-induced hearing loss, occupational asthma, work-related back pain and problems caused by exposure to chemicals and vibration.

Associated sub specialties
•Related sub specialties include:
•disability assessment medicine
•aviation medicine
•occupational dermatology
•respiratory medicine
•sports and exercise medicine
•radiation medicine
•diving medicine.

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