By definition it therefore follows that there is an unequivocal relationship between the theory and practice of occupational health and hygiene, and the concepts of promoting health in the workplace. A professional definition from the International Occupational Hygiene Association states that Occupational Hygiene is the discipline of anticipating, recognising, evaluating and controlling health hazards in the working environment with the objective of protecting worker health and well-being and safeguarding the community at large . Historical Background A range of pressures and lobbying, including outcries from the public, the workers or their advocates, the media, some politicians, scientists, medical practitioners and others contributed in the last century towards a slow but progressive reform in relation to the health of workers. Historically, the main thrust of occupational hygiene has been to promote organisational and environmental change in the workplace in the first instance, before attempting to promote change in individual behaviour. While it is important to consider, as a whole, all the determinants of health and wellbeing of the worker, it is essential to realise that it is work itself that often determines the health of the worker.
Work can make a substantial and specific positive or negative contribution to health and wellbeing.
Several past and recent laws are of relevance and value. This assessment should identify the significant risks arising out of work, should enable the employer to identify and prioritise the measures that need to be taken, and it should be timely and appropriate to the nature of the work. Occupational hygiene involves a hierarchical sequence of several methods, starting by planning a systematic approach based on identified priorities and set objectives. Risks are eliminated, or reduced substantially by organisational change, and by careful selection and design of relevant facilities e.g. enclosure, segregation, local exhaust ventilation etc. Steps are taken to ensure implementation of the risk control measures.