To remain competitive in the global economy, it is imperative that businesses and society help workers and community groups change their lifestyles to move toward a state of optimal health to improve bottom line results, increase productivity and lower total health care costs. As business partners to the corporate enterprise and as health care professionals, occupational and environmental health nurses (OHNs) are champions of investing in the health of workers, worker populations and communities.
The primary focus of occupational and environmental health nursing has been and continues to be the promotion and resoration of health, prevention of illness and injury, and protection from occupational and environmental hazards. Because this concept is grounded in the history of occupational and environmental health nursing and is a key tenet of the profession, AAOHN believes the OHN, as the recognized leader in workplace health and safety, is in a position to:
Serve as a role model for healthy behaviors;
Set expectations that workers self-manage their physical, mental and emotional health;
Leverage health promotion and disease management programs and services to increase worker accountability for health; and
Serve as a health advocate and expert to internal and external groups.
Related to health promotion and wellness, and disease prevention, AAOHN has provided the following resources and association responses:
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. 2920 Brandywine Rd. • Suite 100 • Atlanta, GA 30341 (770) 455-7757 • Fax (770) 455-7271 • Contact AAOHN
