scholarly journals Improvement of the module for occupational diseases in the structure of occupational health record

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Iancheva ◽  
T Kundurzhiev ◽  
N Tzacheva ◽  
L Hristova

Abstract The study is based on the National Science Program 'eHealth in Bulgaria (e-Health)', funded by the Ministry of Education and Science. Partnership Contract No. D-01-200/16.11.2018 Issue Occupational health is closely linked to public health and health system. In Bulgaria there are many software products related to the registration and reporting of occupational health. Description of the Problem It is necessary to study all the determinants of occupational health, including the risks of diseases and accidents in the occupational environment, social and individual factors. The establishment of electronic systems for registering and monitoring both the health status of each worker and the possible hazards in the work environment is associated with the introduction and use of the occupational health record of each worker. Results The methodology for improving the module for occupational diseases in the structure of the occupational health record in Bulgaria has been developed. The classifications are in compliance with the legislation in the country and the requirements of the developing Eurostat methodology for European statistics on occupational diseases are applied. The occupational health record will serve both employers and physicians working in Occupational Health Services. Lessons The occupational disease module in the structure of the occupational health record will contribute to the statistical comparability of occupational disease data at regional and national level. Not only will the registration of the harmful factors of the working environment and the diseases related to the work process, but also the introduction of timely measures to ensure good occupational and public health. Key messages Through the occupational disease module, the structure of the occupational health record introduces the possibility of taking adequate measures to ensure good occupational health. The occupational health record will serve both employers and physicians working in Occupational Health Services.

Author(s):  
Amalina Mohd Roze ◽  
Niza Samsuddin ◽  
Ailin Razali ◽  
Muhammad Zubir Yusof ◽  
Nor Azlina A Rahman ◽  
...  

Mortality estimation due to work-related illness has reached up to 2.4 million each year. The current coverage of occupational health services (OHS) in Malaysia is still low. Occupational health doctors (OHDs) are one of the essential personnel to ensure proper execution of OHS. This study was conducted to explore the experiences and views of OHDs on the challenges in implementing OHS in Malaysia. Four focus group discussions were conducted with OHDs (N = 23) from four different states in Malaysia in 2016. Another five OHDs participated in in-depth interviews to implement the identified codes or themes. The discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVivo version 11.0 was used to facilitate data analysis. The data were analysed following the thematic analysis guidelines. Three themes were identified from the discussions: difficulties in diagnosing occupational diseases and poisoning; poor practices, attitudes, and commitment by both workers and employers; and non-compliance with laws and regulations related to the industries. The common challenges discussed by the participants were the lack of knowledge and skills among OHDs, and the shortage of standard procedures, leading to difficulties to screen occupational diseases. The poor cooperation and behaviour from the industries also hindered OHDs when performing their services. This study suggests better training and provision of standard tools or guideline to assist OHDs in making occupational disease diagnoses, increasing OHS awareness among the industries, and enacting OHS as part of the laws and regulations with adequate enforcement.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. S1-S12
Author(s):  
Mónica Santos ◽  
Armando Almeida ◽  
Catarina Lopes ◽  
Tiago Oliveira

Introduction / framework / objectives According to the consulted bibliography, the main risk/ risk factors of dental professionals are the eventual contact with biological agents, maintained/ forced postures, repetitive movements, vibrations, noise; electromagnetic radiation and Rx ionizing radiation, visual efford and chemical agents. Despite the risks being well identified, no studies were found in Portugal that explored the professionals’ awareness of the risks, their behavior regarding the use of personal protective equipment, the description of occupational accidents, the existence of occupational disease or the recourse to the occupational health team. This exploratory study was designed to identify possible occupational health needs that are not described, which may be subject to intervention. Methodology This is an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out through an anonymous questionnaire, answered by electronic means. The sample was obtained for convenience after contacting several institutions related to the sector. Each professional contacted had the possibility to respond only once using the link provided. Results The sample consists of only 33 workers. The vast majority are female, with higher education completed, practicing dentistry and with more than 10 years of accumulated professional experience. The most valued risk/ risk factors were maintained/ forced postures, repetitive movements, noise, biological agents, prolonged shifts and stress. The most cited/ valued chemical agent was hypochlorite. The most used protective equipment was the uniform, mask and gloves and the least used was ear protectors, visors and caps. Only few had an accident at work and the most frequent were cutting and contact with fluids capable of transmitting infectious pathologies; however, 82% denied post-accident work limitations. The most referenced pathologies were hernias, bursitis and tendinitis, attributed to work activity, but none was declared as a suspected occupational disease. It was very common to have symptoms associated with work, especially pain in different body areas. The perception of the use of Occupational Health services is lower than that recommended and required by law. Conclusions The study cannot be considered representative of this professional sector since the small sample size does not allow the generalization of the findings, nor does it provide information that allows inferring cause-and-effect relationships. However, reading the results allowed to identify some potentially problematic areas in terms of awareness of occupational risks, use of personal protective equipment, monitoring of symptoms and use of Occupational Health services.


AAOHN Journal ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-135
Author(s):  
Pirkko Komulainen

In Finland occupational health services are stipulated by the law. The services are primarily directed at preventive measures and the achievement of a better working environment. The coverage of occupational health services is about 90%. Occupational health nurses are public health nurses in Finland. Moreover, they have the opportunity to have 4 weeks’ complementary schooling and postgraduate education from universities or nursing colleges. There are about 1,900 occupational health nurses in Finland. On the one hand occupational health nurses work independently; on the other hand, they work as a member of a team. Their work consists of environmental surveys and health education (based on working conditions and health habits), including first aid training, health examination, counseling, and treatment in case of illness.


1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Kalliokoski ◽  
J. Kangas ◽  
M. Kotimaa ◽  
K. Louhelainen

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