Ethics and Professional Practice in Occupational Health.
Expert-defined terms from the Undergraduate Certificate in Occupational Health Case Management course at Stanmore School of Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Asbestos #
A group of naturally occurring minerals that are resistant to heat and corrosion, and have been widely used in construction and other industries for their insulating and fire-retardant properties. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Bioethics #
A branch of ethics that deals with the ethical issues arising from biological research, medical treatment, and life sciences technology. It covers a wide range of topics, including genetic engineering, cloning, stem cell research, end-of-life care, and organ donation.
Case management #
A process of coordinating and managing the healthcare of individuals with complex medical conditions or disabilities. It involves assessing the person's needs, developing a care plan, coordinating services, monitoring progress, and evaluating outcomes.
Confidentiality #
The ethical principle of respecting and protecting the privacy of individuals and their personal information. In occupational health, confidentiality is essential to building trust and ensuring that workers feel comfortable disclosing sensitive information about their health and work environment.
Disability management #
A proactive approach to managing workplace injuries and illnesses, with the goal of returning employees to work as soon as possible and preventing future injuries. It involves a collaborative effort between the employee, employer, healthcare provider, and other stakeholders.
Ergoonomics #
The scientific study of the interaction between people and their work environment, with the goal of designing work processes, equipment, and environments that are safe, efficient, and comfortable. It covers a wide range of topics, including workplace design, equipment design, workstation setup, and job analysis.
Ethics #
The branch of philosophy that deals with moral principles and values. In occupational health, ethics involves making decisions and taking actions that are guided by principles of fairness, justice, respect, and integrity.
Health and safety #
The practices and procedures that are designed to protect the health and safety of workers and other stakeholders in the workplace. It includes measures to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses, as well as emergency response plans and procedures.
Informed consent #
The ethical principle of obtaining voluntary and informed agreement from individuals before conducting medical treatments, tests, or procedures. It involves providing the individual with sufficient information about the risks, benefits, alternatives, and consequences of the proposed action, and ensuring that the individual understands and agrees to the proposed action.
Occupational health #
A branch of healthcare that focuses on the prevention and management of work-related injuries, illnesses, and disabilities. It involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medicine, nursing, ergonomics, psychology, and social work.
Occupational health psychology #
A subfield of psychology that focuses on the psychological and social factors that affect the health and well-being of workers. It involves the application of psychological principles and theories to the design and implementation of occupational health programs and interventions.
Return to work #
The process of helping employees who have been absent from work due to illness or injury to return to their jobs in a safe and timely manner. It involves a collaborative effort between the employee, employer, healthcare provider, and other stakeholders.
Risk assessment #
The process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing the risks associated with a particular job, task, or work environment. It involves a systematic approach to identifying potential hazards, assessing the likelihood and severity of harm, and developing strategies to mitigate or eliminate the risks.
Safety culture #
The shared values, attitudes, and practices that influence the safety behavior and performance of individuals and organizations. A positive safety culture is characterized by a strong commitment to safety, open communication, learning from mistakes, and continuous improvement.
Total worker health #
An approach to occupational health that recognizes the interdependence of work, health, and well-being. It involves a holistic approach to promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of workers, including policies, programs, and practices that address the full range of factors that influence worker health and safety.
Whistleblower protection #
The legal and ethical measures that are in place to protect individuals who report wrongdoing or violations of laws, regulations, or ethical standards in the workplace. It involves ensuring that individuals who speak out are protected from retaliation, discrimination, or other adverse consequences.
Workers' compensation #
A system of insurance that provides benefits to workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. It includes medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the injury or illness.
Workplace wellness #
A program or initiative that promotes the health and well-being of workers in the workplace. It may include a range of activities, such as fitness programs, health screenings, stress management, and nutrition education.
Work #
life balance: The balance between work and personal life that allows individuals to meet their professional and personal responsibilities, and to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves policies, practices, and cultures that support flexible work arrangements, time off, and other strategies to promote work-life balance.