What should a newly hired occupational health nurse assess when conducting a workplace survey?

When conducting a workplace survey, assessing the work practices of employees is crucial for an occupational health nurse. This focus helps identify potential hazards within the work environment and understand how employees interact with their surroundings, including the tools and materials they use, the safety protocols they follow, and the physical and psychological demands of their roles. Detailed observations of work practices can lead to the identification of areas where safety can be improved, and health risks can be minimized, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of employees.

Analyzing work practices allows the nurse to gather real-time data about how tasks are performed, which can reveal inconsistencies or unsafe methods that may not be captured through individual histories or past exposure assessments. It also fosters a proactive approach to health promotion and injury prevention in the workplace. By prioritizing work practices during the assessment, the occupational health nurse can make informed recommendations for interventions, training, and policy changes that support a safer work environment.