OPAM Workshop: Basic Course in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Part I-Occupational History and Physical Exam

Occupational History and Physical Exam - Heather Williamson, DO

Pdf Summary

The AOCOPM OPAM Workshop on October 21, 2021, provided a basic introduction to occupational medicine, as presented by Carl Werntz, D.O., MPH. The primary learning objectives of the course were to define occupational medicine, identify key historical figures and legislation, describe the U.S. worker's compensation system, and outline the scope of practice, including work ability assessment, and industrial hygiene roles.<br /><br />Occupational medicine is a preventive medicine branch focused on preventing, recognizing, and treating job-related injuries and illnesses. Important historical figures in the field include Hippocrates, Paracelsus, and Alice Hamilton. The worker's compensation system, founded by Otto von Bismarck, is a no-fault approach ensuring medical care and wage replacement for work-related injuries and illnesses, with diverse systems across the U.S.<br /><br />The session discussed the history and development of occupational medicine, highlighting laws from the Industrial Revolution and key practitioners who advanced the field. The presentation covered regulatory exams and surveillance mandated by OSHA, and emphasized the importance of evaluating fitness for duty, assessing workplace hazards, and implementing safety protocols.<br /><br />Key to occupational medicine is the role of industrial hygiene in exposure assessment and hazard mitigation. Methods to mitigate exposure include engineering controls, administrative measures, and personal protective equipment. Industrial hygienists play a pivotal part in anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and mitigating workplace hazards.<br /><br />The workshop also addressed occupational safety and health regulations established after the Farmington Mine Disaster, including OSHA and NIOSH's roles in enforcing exposure limits. The discussion concluded with the management of return-to-work scenarios, emphasizing risk, capacity, and tolerance considerations. Participants were reminded of the importance of mastering core skills in occupational medicine to support worker health and safety effectively.

Keywords

Occupational Medicine

Worker's Compensation

Industrial Hygiene

OSHA Regulations

Workplace Safety

Exposure Assessment

Fitness for Duty

Occupational Health History

Return-to-Work Management

Occupational Safety and Health