Occupational Environmental Medicine Australia

What is occupational medicine, and what do occupational Physicians do? We are Medical Doctors who specialise in all aspects of health and safety related to the workplace. We have trained in a specialist comprehensive fellowship programme, providing a foundation of knowledge and expertise in this field of medicine. Occupational Physicians have a legacy in improving health outcomes in society by improving working conditions. This goes back to the work of some of our historic figures such as Bernardino Ramazzini 1700’s, who researched and wrote a famous book on occupational Diseases, and Alice Hamilton in the 1800’s who pioneered occupational toxicology and identified many chemical hazards. With the evolution of the workplace, new chemicals being developed and products being used, along side the challenge with a lag time in symptoms or an ability to quickly identifying concerns, we need to ensure we are vigilant, agile and that we are still looking. We must not become complacent and we must be brave enough to ask questions. Modern day occupational and environmental issues that have been in the media which have highlighted the importance of our work have include Covid-19 and Silicosis. Occupational Physicians have played a central role in preventing and improving the health of workers, policy development and in the background have lobbied for change. Sadly there are many occupational hazards, from the psychosocial (bullying, harassment, work job design, workplace culture) to the physical (heat, noise, vibration, chemicals, fatigue, ergonomic). We strive to continue to research, investigate and work with industry leaders, regulators and other key stakeholders to minimise these risks, as everyone deserves to go to work and to be safe. If you want more information on chemical hazards, safe work Australia document the schedule 14 chemical hazards that require health monitoring, and asbestos of course. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/hazardous-chemicals-requiring-health-monitoring An occupational physician can work with your company and hygienists to identify what tasks represent risk, and how to implement a health surveillance programme, ensuring you are keeping your people safe, and meeting your legal responsibilities.