Your Work and Your Health

Healthy Work Matters Group (HWMG) - Introduction

The aim of the group is to raise awareness about the effects of work on health, and the effects of health on fitness to work for:

• employees
• employers
• safety representatives
• health professionals

through this website, network meetings and newsletters.

What is occupational health?

Occupational health is an activity that ensures that:

• work does not adversely affect people's health;
• the impact of ill health on work is appropriately managed.

If done properly, occupational health will protect the health of people at work, thereby protecting the health of the business. Indirectly it also improves the health of the community and the nation.

The Healthy Work Matters Group (HWMG) has been working to develop a clear framework for Occupational Health service provision on a city-wide basis. This is outlined in a strategic framework document.

In order to raise awareness of occupational health issues, the group produces:

• A free, quarterly newsletter;
• A quarterly network meeting: This is a forum for open discussion between parties with an interest in occupational health (not forgetting a free lunch!)
• Research and development: An objective of the group is to organise a research and development programme which will address local occupational health problems. Two recent publications are:
  • 'Provision and Perception of Occupational Health in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Sheffield', Lisa Bradshaw et al.
  • A description of the Occupational Health Strategy Framework for Sheffield.

In addition this website is updated with articles, courses and network meeting information and examples of best practice. The group has also delivered CPD accredited training courses on issues such as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), occupational asthma, upper limb disorders and contact dermatitis.

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This site is supported by the Healthy Work Matters Group