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Occupational Health
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Wellness Lifestyle

Occupational Health

Occupational health problems arise from the work you do, but many can be mitigated through proper safety practices and workplace adjustments.

Common occupational health problems

These issues occur at work or as a result of your specific job duties:

  • Cuts, fractures (broken bones), and sprains and strains
  • Loss of limbs
  • Repetitive motion disorders
  • Hearing problems caused by exposure to noise
  • Vision problems
  • Illness caused by breathing, touching, or swallowing unsafe substances
  • Illness caused by exposure to radiation
  • Exposure to germs in health care settings

Prevention

Good job safety and prevention practices can reduce your risk. Strategies include staying fit, reducing stress, setting up your work area properly, and using the correct equipment and gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use appropriate hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs that match the noise level (measured in decibels). Replace them regularly and ensure a proper fit. Have your hearing checked annually with a audiogram, and report any ringing, muffled hearing, or discomfort to your supervisor or occupational health office.
Seek prompt care if you experience severe pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or if pain persists beyond 48–72 hours. Red‑flag symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer also warrant immediate evaluation. A healthcare provider may order imaging, physical therapy, or refer you to a specialist.
Repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and lower back pain are frequent in office settings. Prevent them by setting up an ergonomic workstation: keep your keyboard and mouse at elbow height, use a chair with lumbar support, take 5‑minute breaks every hour to stretch, and perform simple wrist and shoulder exercises. Adjust monitor height so the top of the screen is at eye level to avoid neck strain.
Immediately move to fresh air, remove contaminated clothing, and rinse skin or eyes with water for at least 15 minutes if exposed. Report the incident to your supervisor and the safety officer, and seek medical evaluation. Keep a record of the exposure, including the substance, duration, and any symptoms.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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