Fitness for Work
Overview As a result of social and legal developments the process of determining fitness for work has become increasingly important Guidance on the medical aspects of fitness for work is…
Disorders of Uncertain Aetiology
Overview The common feature of these conditions is uncertainty The commonest uncertainty concerns possible causality Uncertainty often extends to both susceptibility and treatment Psychosomatic concepts are often relevant but are…
Mental Health
Overview Mental health problems are common. At any time, around one in six working age individuals will suffer from symptoms suggestive of a psychiatric disorder. Mental ill health is now…
Skin Disorders
Overview The overwhelming majority of occupational skin disorders are dermatitic It is a major error to rely solely on the pattern of hand dermatitis when considering a diagnosis Understanding the…
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Overview Musculoskeletal symptoms are very common, with lifetime prevalence rates of 75% or more for problems such as low back pain. Causes are frequently assumed, but are actually unpredictable and…
Practising Occupational Health
Overview The relationship between health, work and wellbeing is complex and best understood using a biopsychosocial approach There are several different models of occupational health service delivery An assessment of…
Infections
Overview Occupational infections can be easy to miss unless there is a high index of suspicion A detailed occupational history combined with knowledge of infectious diseases will often reveal the…
Genetics and Reproduction
Overview Genetic differences may make some workers more susceptible to the impact of occupational and environmental exposures Such exposures might also be passed to future generations through changes to the…
Hazards of Work
Overview Work has an important influence on health, both public and individual. It brings great health benefits but can also be detrimental to both Work related injuries and illnesses take…
