Occupational health nurses work in a variety of settings mainly industry, health services, commerce and education. They can be employed as independent practitioners or as part of a occupational health service team, often attached to a personnel or HR department.
Occupational health nurses are considered to be leaders in public health in the workplace setting. The occupational health nurse role includes:
the prevention of health problems, promotion of healthy living and working conditions
understanding the effects of work on health and health at work
basic first aid and health screening
workforce and workplace monitoring and health need assessment
health promotion
education and training
counselling and support
risk assessment and risk management.