Occupational diseases and injuries cause significant pain and disability, and continue to challenge employers worldwide. The widespread prevalence of preventable, occupation-related health problems take a heavy toll on the economy. The health hazards and safety issues confronting various industrial sectors in
rapidly growing, prosperous nations such as Qatar and other neighboring nations are innumerable.
Occupational health services are important in promoting employee wellbeing and morale, reducing work-related injuries and improving corporate productivity. The occupational health programs of major industry settings such as the oil and gas industry, construction and aviation commonly found in Qatar and other GCC nations are unique. They present challenges as well as opportunities from which we can all learn. Examples of challenges include: inadequate occupational health workforce, lack of training programs in occupational health and various issues surrounding migrant health. Healthcare practitioners and employee administrators must be cognizant of issues surrounding occupational medicine and how these can be addressed judiciously to further improve employee health in the State of Qatar. Providing ongoing education and training to the
healthcare practitioners will help the industry
achieve its goals of promoting the health and productivity of workers.
Identified Practice Gaps/Educational Needs
This symposium will provide attendees information
about strategies
to enhance worker health, safety and productivity. Additionally, the symposium will allow participants to examine and discuss various aspects of occupational medicine, outline challenges, and deliberate on opportunities to address and augment overall health and well being of employees.
Overall Objectives:
- Define occupational health and discuss its importance in improving employee health and reducing the burden of occupation related injuries and illnesses
- Summarize various aspects of occupational health programs
- Outline challenges and opportunities in occupational health
- Discuss lessons learnt from occupational health programs in the aviation industry
- Examine health problems of the migrant workforce
Target Audience:
Physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, allied health professionals, other: environment health and safety staff and executives, administrators