Having seen a couple of the replies, this has the makings of one of those
really useful debates. I am sure most of us at some time do most of the
things mentioned but the next question to ask is 'why?' In order to decide
what we do, should we also be asking why we do them and what is the purpose
of our existence.
Yes, I know this sounds like one of those student debates we all had
regarding our purpose in the universe at 3 in the morning, lubricated by
alcohol, but despite having had a drink (just the one) I'll press on. Three
reasons to start with:
1) The moral and ethical reason. This has been the case since the days of
Ramazini. Work can sometimes make you ill or even prematurely end your life
and employers and the 'State' has a moral and ethical duty to prevent this.
This is well documented by various orgnanisations around the world,
particularly the ILO. Their website contains plenty of information on what
countries should do about OH and it is interesting to note that good old UK
plc has not adopted much of it.
2) The legal reason. As you all know, we are not legally required. However
the law requires much of organisations that is ours to do, almost by right.
There is therefore a place for us. Unfortunately though, obeying OH and H&S
related legislation comes with a reluctance; an "if we have to" sort of
culture which is not always endearing.
3) The business reason. Whether we like it or not, it is money that makes
the world go round, not ethics or law. Organisations are in business to
either make a profit or provide a service - or both. Whatever they do, they
rely on people to make them work effeciently. Therefore those people must
be efficient, meaning they must be productive and attend. Health
interferes with both. To turn the HSE's catchphrase around, bad health is
bad business.
Can we define our reason for existence in ethical, legal and business terms?
If so, what are the activities that come from this. If not, how else do
we define ourselves.
My god, that was a strong one!
Lindsey
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rosemary Shaw (fnsrns)" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2003 1:13 PM
Subject: O.H. CORE ACTIVITIES.
Hi folks,
Interested to know what you think the core activities are of an Occupational
Health Nurse are?
Thanks for your help with this one.
Rosemary.
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