Self assessment: revision check
- What is the relative contribution of environmental factors, and genetic factors to the causation of disease?
- What criteria would you use to determine whether an environmental (including occupational) factor 'caused' ill-health:
In an individual?
In a population? - What is the difference between hazard and risk?
- What are the determinants of the risk of ill-health from environmental causes, as estimated by scientists and medical doctors?
- What are the determinants of the public perception of risk of ill-health from environmental causes?
- What bodies/ agencies are responsible for 'environmental health' at:
An international level?
A national level?
A local level? - What are the responsibilities of medical practitioners in relation to occupational health?
How can these responsibilities be fulfilled? - What are the main sources of information regarding work related diseases and disorders?
- Why is there a discrepancy between: Official statistics for reporting and compensation of occupational disease, and: Information based on self-reporting and epidemiologic studies, (which tend to suggest far higher estimates)?
- What sorts of questions should a doctor ask when taking an occupational medical history?
Why? - What questions should a doctor be prepared to tackle in relation to a patient who is off sick and hence not at work?
What information may be necessary to answer these questions? - What information is needed to determine a patient's/worker's fitness for work?
What judgements may need to be made? - What steps could be considered by the doctor to rehabilitate a sick or disabled employee back to work?
- What general responsibilities should be placed upon EMPLOYERS so as to reduce the burden of work related ill-health?
- What professional skills/ competencies are needed to assess and reduce the risks to health in relation to working populations and to individuals?
- Having assessed the risks to health from work, what specific steps could be taken to reduce these risks?