The Occupational Health Nurse: Safety's Overlooked Resource

Corporate perspective of the role of the occupational health nurse

“…Thus, it was important to replicate the study among a population more characteristic of occupational nursing settings. Six studies have been reported that were directed to occupational health nurses for the purpose of obtaining descriptions of job duties (Atherton & LeGendre, 1985;Bender & Fagerlund, 1976;Christensen, Richard, Froberg, McGovern, & Abanobi, 1985;McKechnie, 1983;Murphy, 1989;Simons, 1980). Different sets of functions were used by these researchers; therefore, results showed a wide variety of tasks being performed, with emphasis on primary care, health promotion, and counseling.…”

Interest of Major Corporations in Expanded Practice of Occupational Health Nurses

“…Plant size was the most important factor influencing the number and type of safety-related activities with nurses in smaller establishments more frequently involved in safety-related tasks. Geographic location also had some influence on which activities OHNs more frequently performed, in the nurses in Arizona and California were responsible for pre-placement physicals, while nurses in other areas did not report performing these activities (Simons, 1980).…”

Conceptual Model for Nursing Practice in Occupational Health

“…Since the major expense to the employer is accrued from lost work days, the nurse's involvement directly reduces the number of days lost and directly reduces workers' compensation premiums. Several companies have reported drastic reductions in both workers'compensation costs and injury rates when occupational health nurses have given responsible safety and/or health positions (Simmons, 1980). The concept environmental monitoring includes several different parameters for the occupational health nurse.…”

“…It is essential that nurses understand the principles of industrial hygiene. To work effectively, nurses must know the health hazards of the industry and how these can be controlled (Simmons, 1980).…”