occupational

Occupational is an adjective related to work or a person’s occupation. In professional usage, it describes anything connected with employment, the workplace, or the activities of workers. The term appears in diverse fields such as safety, health, medicine, therapy, and psychology, where the common concern is how work affects people and how people interact with work.

Occupational safety and health (OSH) focuses on preventing work-related injuries and illnesses. It involves hazard identification, risk assessment, engineering and administrative controls, personal protective equipment, and training. National and international bodies, such as the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), issue standards and guidance to reduce risk.

Occupational medicine monitors and manages health issues associated with work, including exposure to chemicals, noise, and repetitive strain, and it coordinates medical surveillance, fitness-for-duty assessments, and return-to-work processes.

Occupational therapy helps people participate in everyday activities, including work, after illness, injury, or disability. Therapists assess skills, adapt tasks or environments, and train clients to perform work-related activities safely and independently.

Ergonomics studies the fit between people, tasks, tools, and environments to prevent injury and improve efficiency. Psychosocial factors, such as workload and job control, are also considered in occupational research and policy.

Overall, the occupational domain seeks to ensure that work supports health, productivity, and well-being while minimizing hazards and barriers to participation.