The Centre for Workplace Health aims to increase the knowledge
available to those who are active in the treatment, planning,
prevention and legal process associated with workplace illness and
injury such that the impact of this cause of ill health is
minimised. The Centre is involved in a range of research projects
which are helping to identify training needs in key groups of
occupational health professionals. As a result, specific training
programmes are being developed for the following groups:
- Primary Care: general practitioners and practice nurses
- Occupational Health Professionals: nurses, doctors and
technicians
- Responsible People: managers, health and safety advisors
In developing these courses, we aim to build on the success of
the Faculty of Occupational Medicine accredited hand arm vibration
training course which is being delivered from the Health and Safety
Laboratory in Buxton.
The Centre also has input into a range of academic
qualifications and training programmes. At undergraduate level, we
are involved in the development and delivery of the medical student
programme at the University of Sheffield. This involvement enables
undergraduate medical students to appreciate the importance of
occupation to health and well-being.
At postgraduate level, we continue to support MD and PhD
research students, and there are plans to develop a taught MSc
programme. In addition, we have provided a number of clinical
research fellowships as training posts for potential clinical
academics.
Our team has also been involved in knowledge transfer activities
with clinical researchers in South Africa in a project funded by
the Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee of South Africa. We
trained a team of local experts in the assessment of hand arm
vibration syndrome, and audited their practice during a series of
visits. They have now identified the first cases of this condition
in gold miners, and have established an assessment centre of their
own to provide on going assessment of exposed workers.
Further Information
Contact the Centre by telephone (+44) 01298 218447 or email cwh@hsl.gov.uk.