The Occupational Health Professional's Services and Qualifications: Questions and Answers

OSHA 3160 ? The Occupational Health Professional?s Services and Qualifications: Questions and Answers. Controlling occupational injuries and illnesses and related expenditures is a top priority in most companies. Selecting a qualified health care professional to participate in the workplace safety and health activities can be a vital step in this process. This book addresses questions and answer to provide guidance and serve as a resource for those considering such a selection. A variety of health care professionals are available to employers. Selecting an appropriate provider for the worksite depends on a number of factors including: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration?s (OSHA) screening and surveillance requirements for specific substances or hazards associated with the worksite; the number, diversity, size and seriousness of the hazards involved at the worksite (s); and the level of resources committed to an occupational health care service as part of a comprehensive safety and health program; and distance to the closest trauma center or health care facility. At a minimum, workplace safety and health involves management support, employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, occupational health care management (including screening and surveillance for disease and injury), and training and education. Qualified occupational health care professionals can assist the employer in achieving a safe and healthful work environment. Along with other safety and health professionals, health care professionals work collaboratively with labor and management to: identify potential hazards and to find ways to prevent, eliminate, minimize, or reduce hazards; develop and manage training programs to promote workplace health and safety; and enhance the accuracy of OSHA recordkeeping.