Community health nursing notes on the topic Occupational health nursing
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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING
Occupational health: promoting and maintaining the physical, mental and social well-being of
all workers in all occupations or preventing accidents, injuries and incidents from machinery
and work processes. It’s all about preventing adverse health consequences for workers as a result
of conditions in their workplace.
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK
In South Africa, Occupational Health is governed by the Occupational Health & Safety Act No. 85 of
1993. The Act mandates all the relevant role players in occupational health & safety to:
“Provide for the health and safety of persons at work and for the health and safety of persons
in connection with the use of plant and machinery; the protection of persons other than
persons at work against hazards to health and safety arising of or in connection with the
activities of persons at work; to establish an advisory council for occupational health and
safety; and to provide for matters connected herewith”.
Acts that regulate Occupational Health & Safety in South Africa:
Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993
Compensation for the Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) No. 130 of 1993
The Basic Conditions of Employment Act No. 75 of 1997
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, Chapter 3 (Bill of Rights)
The Labor Relations Act No. 66 of 1995
The Nursing Act 33 of 2005
The Employment Equity Act No. 55 of 1998
The Hazardous Substances Act No. 15 of 1973
The Health Professions Act No. 56 of 1974
Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act No.78 of 1978
In respect of Occupational Health Nursing, all Registered Professional Nurses who work in the
Occupational Health Industry, also need to ensure that they work according to the Scope of Practice
– R2598 as promulgated within the Nursing Act.
THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE
The Occupation Medical Practitioner and the Occupational Health Nurse, usually works closely with
the Occupational Hygienist, who addresses the environmental stressors (chemicals found in dust,
fumes, vapors, gases or fluids) which may contribute to illness and adverse health effects to persons
as well noise, ventilation, temperature extremes and illumination.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSE
The OHN is registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a professional nurse with
an additional qualification in Occupational Health Nursing. This is a specialist field where the OHN
provides healthcare and promotes worker’s health through OHN nursing judgements as well as
seeking solutions that are aligned with the work environment, management policy and the health
system.
1. provide health care based on sound ethical principles.
2. Treat workers with respect and be non-judgmental
3. keep all personal information entrusted to her/him by maintaining confidentiality, unless
informed written consent is obtained is given by the employee in his/her best interest
and that of the company
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