Which field specifically focuses on worker health and safety?

Occupational Medicine is the field specifically focused on worker health and safety. This area of practice deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses. Occupational medicine physicians are trained to recognize the impact of work environments on health and are responsible for ensuring workplace safety standards are upheld. They conduct health screenings, develop safety programs, and provide guidance on managing health risks associated with specific job roles or conditions.

In contrast, other fields such as Occupational Therapy primarily focus on helping individuals achieve independence and function in daily activities, rather than explicitly addressing workplace health and safety. Public Health takes a broader approach to health issues affecting populations, including disease prevention and health promotion across communities, but it does not specifically target the workplace environment. Environmental Health concentrates on how environmental factors affect human health, including pollutants and toxic exposures, but it is not exclusively dedicated to the context of the workplace. Thus, Occupational Medicine is uniquely positioned to address the specific health and safety needs of workers directly.