Health risk assessment in the occupational health nurse’s practice

M.Cur.Occupational health nurses are qualified registered nurses with a post-graduate qualification in occupational health nursing as a specialised discipline, and provide the basic healthcare aspect of the occupational health programme. Their most important activity is to identify and assess the health hazard risks in the workplace. Health risk assessments are conducted by occupational health nurses to determine all the stresses, e.g. hazardous chemicals, vibration, insufficient lighting, noise exposure and thermal exposure, which may affect employees‟ health and working efficiency. The researcher conducted audits and, over a period of time, observed that 85% (n=23) of occupational health nurses in different settings conduct health risk assessments only to a certain extent. The following questions were raised: To what extent do occupational health nurses conduct health risk assessments? What are the possible reasons for them conducting the health risk assessments only to a certain extent, or not at all? What can be done to improve this? The purpose of this study was thus to explore and describe the extent to which occupational health nurses conduct health risk assessments; and the possible reasons for not conducting them or conducting them only to a certain extent. Guidelines were developed to assist occupational health nurses in conducting health risk assessments. A quantitative, descriptive design was used in this study. A sampling frame was developed from a list of all the members of the South African Society of Occupational Health Nursing Practitioners (SASOHN) in Gauteng. From the target population of occupational health nurses in Gauteng, a systematic cluster sampling method was used. A developed questionnaire was distributed by mail and e-mails, and reminders were sent by the researcher to the respondents (Burns & Grove, 2006). The researcher ensured validity and reliability throughout the study by means of theoretical review, content securing and statistical assistance (Burns & Grove, 2006). Ethical standards of the right to self-determination, right to privacy, right to confidentiality and autonomy, right to fair treatment and right to protection from discomfort and harm were adhered to. The findings revealed that the occupational health nurse is a mature, predominately female experienced practitioner who operates on behalf of a disproportionably large number of employees. Four factors influencing these nurses in conducting a health risk assessment to a certain extent were identified: competence, ignorance about the role of the occupational health nurse, workload and attitude. The researcher formulated guidelines to assist practising occupational health nurses to conduct health risk assessments