Introduction
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The essence of engaging in any work or occupation is to earn a living and enjoy life. Hence,
understanding the relation and interaction between work and health is very important in the
practice of occupational health and safety
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Emphasis here is that work can bring both positive and negative effects to man depending on
the health and safety measures put in place.
Definition
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Occupational health refers to the sum total of activities and program that are engaged upon
aiming to attain and maintain the highest level of health and safety for all people who are
engaged in any type of work whatever.
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ILO expert committee sees it as the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of
physical, mental and social wellbeing of workers in all occupations.
Definition Cont’d
In summary, it is referred to as all measures adopted or taken to adapt work to man and each man
to his job.
Reasons for Occupational Health
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The rationale for occupational health is to ensure that workers health is safeguarded in their
work environment and this can be achieved by providing health care services for the workers at
their work place.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
 As stated by Joint Committee of World Organization and International Labor Organization:
 The promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social
well-being of workers in all occupations.
 The prevention among workers of departure from health caused by their working conditions.
Protection
The protection of workers in their occupation from risks adverse to health.
The planning and maintenance of workers in an occupational environment adopted to his physiological
equipment.
The adaption of work to man and each man to his job.
The point here is that the working environment must be conducive because it often influences the
workers state of health. Workers ability to perform their duties satisfactorily depends on the type of
environment they are working or accommodated during the working hours.