Arbetsmiljömedicin

Arbetsmiljömedicin, or occupational and environmental medicine, is a medical specialty concerned with the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries caused by the workplace and the environment. It focuses on the relationship between health and exposure to various factors in the working environment and broader surroundings. This field examines how physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial hazards can affect the health of individuals and populations.

Physicians specializing in arbetsmiljömedicin, known as occupational and environmental physicians, are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage occupational and environmental illnesses. They also play a crucial role in identifying workplace hazards, assessing risks, and recommending preventive measures to employers and employees. This includes advising on safety protocols, ergonomics, and the use of personal protective equipment.

The scope of arbetsmiljömedicin extends beyond individual patient care. It involves public health initiatives, research into the health effects of exposures, and collaboration with regulatory bodies to establish and enforce health and safety standards. The goal is to promote a safe and healthy work environment and to minimize the negative health impacts of environmental exposures. This specialty often bridges the gap between medicine, public health, industrial hygiene, and toxicology.