Intersecting Paths: Public and Occupational Health

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Evaluating the Link between Public Health and Occupational Health People have focused on improving health and prolonging lifespan of people since the ancient times. Before the development of systems for health care such as NHS and CDC, people used home remedies and it was not as effective. WHO defines health as “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” as adopted at the International Health Conference 19461. Ashton, John et al (1991) states that The Public Health Act 1848 was passed by the government, in response to the urging of Edwin Chadwick, an English social reformer. This was supported by reports, from local branches of the Health of Towns Association (formed in 1844), of poor and insanitary conditions in many UK cities2. Winslow (1920) defined Public Health as “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting human health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals3.” The Alma Ata Conference of 1978 reaffirmed the critical role of public health in attaining health for all, with particular emphasis placed on the centrality of equity, community participation and intersectoral collaboration4. The main focus of Public Health is to ameliorate the …show more content…

Link 3 Moreover, Public Health and Occupational Health also both focus on Raising Awareness about health and safety. Difference 1 However, in the recent years, Occupational Health practitioners have started focusing more on the management’s interests rather than solely on the workers’ safety and health. Public Health focuses on reducing the social inequality Difference 2 The International Labour Organisation created a management system to assist employers to keep pace with rapidly shifting and competitive industrial environments.

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