ABSTRACT
While the management of cases of occupational disease involves an important element of prevention, the systematic reduction of risks of occupational disease and injury is a novel, or at least nebulous, concept to many clinicians. This chapter provides an insight into risk reduction as a means of preventing occupational ill-health. It starts, following good occupational health practice, by discussing how risks can be reduced in the workplace environment by reducing exposure to harmful substances and physical hazards – thus adding to the concepts of occupational hygiene in the preceding chapter. Then it addresses the reduction of ergonomic risks and of accidents. It goes on to address steps that are specific to certain workers, including immunization, and the role of pre-employment selection. Finally, it illustrates the role of legislation in the prevention of work-related ill-health.
