An Introduction to Community and Primary Health Care

Workers have a right to feel safe in their workplaces and employers have a responsibility to ensure that workers have a safe work environment. Employers also have the opportunity to protect the health of their employees which can help improve their overall health and well-being. An effective occupational health and safety (OHS) program reduces injuries and illnesses, work absenteeism and staff turnover and improves staff morale, operational efficiency, productivity, and work cover insurance premiums. The strength of an organisation as a preferred place to be employed often relates to its attention to OHS. Occupational health nurses (OHNs) play an important role in ensuring safety and promoting healthy workplaces. This chapter begins with a discussion of OHS. The roles and major responsibilities of the OHN, which vary depending on the size and nature of the organisation, are also explored. This chapter explains the importance and key components of OHS, identifies how OHNs support safe work policies and strategies, and describes how OHNs contribute to health-promoting workplaces.