Role of Occupational Health Services in Prevention of Work-related Cardiovascular Disorders

Introduction New research provides numerous opportunities for management of work-related CVDs starting from primary prevention and ending at return to work (RTW) measures.  

Methods Literature overview and analysis of best OHS practices and conclusions on prevention of CVDs.  

Results Primary prevention focuses on the determinants of CVDs in work environment, work organization, work community and on optimising working conditions, including work, work environment, working hours, reasonable work contracts and job security. All workers are monitored for risk indicators and necessary preventive actions are taken. Health education is given on general and work-specific CVD determinants and healthy work and life practices. Workers'' participation is ensured. Secondary prevention includes management of identified and highest CVD risk factors in work and work environment. Actions for individuals comprise monitoring and actions to individual risk factors and reporting and follow-up of early signs, particularly among the high-risk groups, including aged workers.  Special actions are directed to elimination of potential cardiotoxic exposures (such as CO), and physical factors, physical work load, non-physiological working hours (shift work) and chronic work stress. Tertiary prevention focuses on detected clinical CVD cases. The OHS measures include organization of best and early treatment of the diseases and necessary rehabilitation and RTW actions. Adjustment of working conditions, work environment, work load and support from management and work community is ensured.  

Discussion Prevention of WRD-CVDs will most likely be successful by using comprehensive occupational health approach dealing at all levels, systems, enterprise and individual levels, and by combining prevention, promotion and early curative and rehabilitation and RTW interventions.