Companies are increasingly interested in their employees’ health, which gives the occupational health nursing profession good opportunities for the future. What does this professional do?
Whether in the mining, manufacturing, aerospace or construction sectors, the role of the occupational health nurse is prevention of employee injury or disease. This little known specialized profession aims to promote the health, hygiene and safety of workers in sectors that are frequently at risk of contracting illnesses or being injured.
For example, if a chemical has been emitted in a plant, such as acid fumes, the occupational health nurse must meet all employees who have been in contact with the toxic agent. Among other things, she must see if they were wearing a mask and how long they were exposed to the substance. Based on the answers obtained, she will establish preventive measures.
In the mining sector or on a jobsite, for example, she may need to intervene to safeguard the workers’ lives. The nurse can sometimes act as a first responder if there is an incident or accident.
Occupational Health Nurse: College Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree
To do this work, you need to have a technical college training in nursing or a Bachelor of Nursing degree, depending on the employer’s requirements. In addition, a Bachelor degree can be supplemented by a specialization in occupational health.
In addition to the industrial sector, the health network employs nurses who oversee the health of its employees in hospitals, residential centres and prisons. These professionals are also found in private medical firms that offer their services to businesses.
A large part of the occupational health nurse’s job is managing disability and insurance records. The nurse analyzes the medical information according to disability criteria and follows up with employees.
Prevention and training
The occupational health nurse has a major role in prevention and immunization. The nurse monitors employees’ health status, either by questioning them or carrying out examinations.
Her work also includes training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and handling heavy objects, as well as participating in promoting and applying the organization’s health program.
Her presence in the company helps instill workers with good habits to prevent injuries and… sick leave.