What does an occupational health physician do?
Last updated: 22 January 2018
What is an occupational health physician?
An occupational health physician is a doctor who specialises in managing work-related conditions.
What do occupational health physicians treat?
- Work-related injury and illness prevention
- Assessment and treatment of work-related illness
- General health and safety issues
- Pre employment medical assessment for divers, pilots, heavy machinery drivers
- Psychology and psychiatry
- Injury prevention, assessment and treatment
- Repetitive strain injury
- Rehabilitation strategies
- Pre employment medical assessments
What to expect at your first appointment
History
An occupational health physician will begin by getting background information. This will be about your:
- Previous and current health
- Your job
- The hazards you may face
- Any current symptoms
They will also need to know about:
- Medications
- Allergies
- Drug and alcohol use
- Smoking
- Family history
Examination
Typically this will begin with 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.
Training and qualifications
Links
- Find an Occupational Health Physician
- Australia.gov.au – Workplace health and safety
- Safe Work Australia
A: Use HealthEngine to find and book your next GP appointment. Click on the following locations to find a GP clinic in your state or territory.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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