Question

What is the difference between occupational health and occupational safety?

Answer
By Bryan McWhorter | Last updated: November 18, 2019
Presented by AD Safety Network

Most government agencies that monitor worker safety look at all work related health and safety data, including recorded injuries and diseases. This includes all health issues caused by a work environment.

Occupational safety addresses potential safety hazards that can cause injury, whereas occupational health addresses potential health concerns. Occupational safety pertains more to the physical well-being of employees, while occupational health covers the employees' overall well-being.

Occupational health programs can be quite proactive by

Advertisement
seeking to improve an employee’s health and well-being. Employers may offer smoker cessation classes, or even have on site gym. At the very least, employers are responsible for identifying potential health concerns related to the job and controlling them just as they would with safety hazards.

Presented By

Logo for AD Safety Network

Share this

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • X

Written by Bryan McWhorter | Lead Safety Advisor, Author, Writer, Speaker

Bryan McWhorter

Bryan McWhorter is a safety professional with eight years of experience in driving and teaching safety. Bryan gained his knowledge and experience as the safety officer and Senior Trainer for Philips Lighting. Philips is a strong health and well-being company that promotes a safety first culture.

More Q&As from our experts

Term of the Day

Edge Effects

Edge effects are defined in ecology as the influence that two ecological communities have on one another where they meet at…
Read Full Term

Let's Make Workplaces Safer!

Subscribe to the Safeopedia newsletter to stay on top of current industry trends and up-to-date know-how from subject matter authorities. Our comprehensive online resources are dedicated to safety professionals and decision makers like you.

Resources
Go back to top