As the health care practitioner most directly involved with the employee and the workplace, the occupational and environmental health nurse (OHN) is uniquely qualified to establish the ergonomics program and to perform the activities necessary to make the program successful for the employee and the organization. This foundation block examines in detail the many components of the effective office environment, including environmental and equipment concerns.

As the role of the occupational and environmental health nurse (OHN) continues to evolve, OHN’s are assuming increasing management and administrative responsibilities. This module provides guidance to the OHN in management of personnel.

The occupational and environmental health nurse plays a vital role in the assessment of workers at risk, appropriate job placement, on-going seizure management, on-site care when seizures occur in the workplace, and return-to-work policies that benefit both the employee and the employer.

This foundation block provides templates for both screening and comprehensive interview tools to be included with the general health assessments of the organization.

The American Heart Association estimates that medical expenses for the treatment of Cardiovascular disease (CVD) will be $209.3 billion dollars in 2004, with an additional estimated $142.5 billion in lost productivity. The OHN also plays a crucial role in education to prevent the development of CVD as well as disease management in the workplace.

Substance abuse continues to be a major health issue in America, affecting both employees and employers. Approximately 77 percent of substance abusers are employed, significantly impacting the workplace and the cost of doing business through absenteeism, increased work related accidents and injuries, decreased productivity, increased medical care and cost and increased employee turnover resulting in cost to employers estimated to be in the billions of dollars each year.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) Operating Administration Regulations mandate anti-drug programs for all employees working in safety sensitive positions for many DOT administrations:

This foundation block provides guidance in the determination of appropriate staffing ratios and patterns for the OHN’s organization.

The occupational and environmental health nurse (OHN) plays a pivotal role in management of the health of employees to help ensure that the organization provides effective absence management. This module will enable the OHN to develop, implement, and evaluate an absence management program.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Center for Analysis and Violent Crimes (NCAVC), workplace violence can be defined as any action that may threaten the safety of an employee, impact the employee’s physical or psychological well-being, or cause damage to company property. It spans a broad continuum that ranges from verbal abuse and threats on one end, to an extreme of assaults and even homicide on the other.
This module enables the OHN to develop an effective program for workplace violence prevention and management.