Occupational Health

An occupational health physician is a doctor who specialises in managing work-related conditions.

Medical Conditions

Pre employment medical assessment
Work-related injury and illness prevention
Assessment and treatment of work-related illness
General health and safety issues

Specialty Areas of Interest

Pre employment medical assessment for divers, pilots, heavy machinery drivers.
Psychology and psychiatry
Injury prevention, assessment and treatment.
Repetitive strain injury
Rehabilitation strategies

Associated Tests

This is a very broad specialty and tests are numerous and directed by the specific problem. They may involve bedside tests, laboratory tests, imaging investigations or other special tests.

Procedures

What to expect

History

An occupational health specialist will begin by getting background information. This will be about your previous and current health, your job and the hazards you may face and any current symptoms.
They will also need to know about medications, allergies, drug and alcohol use, smoking and family history.

Examination

This will begin generally, measuring your height, weight, pulse, blood pressure and general appearance. The occupational specialist will then be directed by your specific problem. Examination may be tailored to fitness to undertake a specific activity, or focussed on a particular problem you already have.