Disaster risk reduction and sustainable development: the role for occupational health

In a recently published article, the role can occupational health (OH) professionals in disaster risk reduction was discussed:

"It can be argued that OH practice is key to all stages of a disaster, i.e. prevention, preparation, response and recovery as demonstrated by their role in assessing hazards and risks in workplaces and work practices as well as employees’ fitness for work. As a result, OH professionals are encouraged to engage with the implementation of these international processes pertaining to disaster risk reduction and management at local, national, regional and global levels."

Excerpt from: Balsam Ahmad, Virginia Murray; Disaster risk reduction and sustainable development: the role for occupational health, Occupational Medicine, Volume 68, Issue 7, 13 September 2018, Pages 422–424, https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqy058 (click to view full article)

ASM2018 Program highlight: Functional assessment

Functional capacity assessment – getting it right, Tuesday 9th October

Panel consisting of:
Dr Amanda Sillcock, Specialist Occupational Physician
Dr Andrea James, Specialist Occupational Physician
Carmen Betterridge, Psychologist at Suicide Risk Assessment Australia
Mark Hazelton, Physiotherapist and Occupational Health Advisor

Occupational health professionals hold a unique place in the world of medicine bringing understanding and clarity around the impact of a person’s health condition on their ability to do a job. We look at our patients not only from the perspective of their diagnoses and treatment, but how they function, what can they do and where are their limitations.

In this highly interactive workshop we will be using case based scenarios and group learning to look at the assessment of physical and psychological function in the occupational health clinician's office and the role of other occupational health professionals in determining fitness for work. A panel of occupational health professionals including physicians, a psychologist and physiotherapist will facilitate discussion and further our knowledge in this key skill.

Learning aims:

• Be able to assess in the clinic an individual’s functional capacity for work
• Be able to communicate advice/opinion to patient/worker and employer on functional capacity for work
• Be able to refer appropriately to another practitioner for additional information on functional work capacity. 

Register for ASM2018 

10 reasons why nurses should attend ASM2018

The ASM 2018 is fast approaching and offers a great hands-on educational experience for occupational health nurses. Here are 10 great reasons why nurses should be involved!

The conference theme "Perspectives in Occupational Health" highlights the broad scope of occupational health practice, and nurses will benefit from a diverse program including clinical updates and setting-specific issues. A wide range of high calibre speakers will share their expertise and experience, bringing learning to life across a number of fascinating areas.   Click here to find out more about our speakers.

Building on the the mental health theme, delegates will have a unique opportunity to explore and contribute to solutions for workplace violence, bullying and harassment through an interactive panel session inspired by "Q & A". Also new to this year's program  will be a Chill & Recharge space where delegates can access further resources and ideas for promoting mental health in the workplace.

This year we are pleased to offer a very special event for our occupational health nurses as we celebrate 10 years since the Australian College of Occupational Health Nurses merged with ANZSOM. A dinner will be held at Felt Restaurant on the Monday evening of the conference.  Attendance is by invitation only, once you have registered for the conference. This dinner is proudly sponsored by Resile - Maximising the health, wellbeing and productivity of your workforce.

These common areas of practice will feature in Day 2 of the program, with updates to keep you abreast of recent changes, including those flowing from the Queensland Coal Mine Worker’s Health Scheme review in 2016.

For those with a particular interest in spirometry, we are pleased to be cooperating with the Alfred Health Promotion Centre to bring to you a post conference course.  See details below. 

There's nothing like being there, and once again the ASM provides the opportunity to experience a number of unique local workplaces. Visits this year include the Boeing Aerostructures Australia - Boeing's manufacturing facility; Cochlear Care Centre - providing long term support for all recipients of Cochlear Ltd devices; Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research - Australia's longest established medical research institution; and WISE Employment - Employment programs for people with mental illness. Click here for more information about site visits.

The CPR Update is a popular feature of the ASM, providing delegates with an opportunity to meet their certification requirements. The course will cover:

• Response to an emergency situation
• Performance of CPR procedures
• Communication of details of the incident
• Defibrillation

Places in the course must be booked with registration.

The OHN role has changed considerably over the years and ANZSOM is committed to ensuring currency of competencies and appropriate recognition. A workshop will again be held this year to build on the fruitful discussions held in Fremantle. Download the conference program.

ANZSOM continues to look for ways to support our nursing members and raise the profile of our shared field of expertise. For those wishing to make a formal contribution, make sure you come to the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 10th October, 8.15am (light breakfast provided). ANZSOM staff and Committee members are also available throughout the conference to discuss opportunities for involvement or your ideas for improving your member experience. If you would like more information or to be involved, please contact the Secretariat (secretariat@anzsom.org.au)

The 50th Anniversary Dinner Gala will be the major event at the ASM, and will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Featuring special guests including Clare Amies, CEO of WorkSafe Victoria, and Bill Glass, one of the early pioneers of occupational medicine in Australia and New Zealand, who will share their reflections and insights in the field of occupational health and medicine. The Gala Dinner is included in the cost of full registration. 

This year you will have a chance to win free registration to next year’s conference in Adelaide, simply by visiting each of the exhibitors at the conference! The winner will be drawn at the Awards Lunch on the Wednesday. To be eligible you will need to be at the lunch to receive the prize in person.

Post-conference course: Spirometry - Principles and Practice, 11 & 12 October 2018

ANZSOM is pleased to announce a special opportunity for ASM delegates. The Lung Health Promotion Centre @ The Alfred and The Alfred Physiology team will present this extensive 2 day course on the two days immediately following the ASM. The course is based on the new Australia and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS) and The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) standards, and is designed for health professionals who care for people with asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions.

Location: AMREP Education Centre The Alfred, 89 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004
Cost: $810 (Includes morning tea, lunch and course material)

Password code: ANZSOM2018

Click here to register