The course Fundamentals of Occupational Medicine addresses occupational health and the prevention of diseases related to the work environment, highlighting historical milestones, legislation, and risk classification. Occupational Medicine originated with Bernardino Ramazzini, who, in the 18th century, cataloged diseases across various professions and established the practice of always asking about the patient’s occupation. The Industrial Revolution advanced the field due to poor factory conditions, with long working hours and exposure to harmful agents. In Brazil, the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT, 1943) and the Regulatory Standards (NRs, 1978) marked the regulation of occupational health.
The course details the identification and management of occupational risks, according to NR-9, integrated into the Risk Management Program (PGR) under NR-1, dividing them into three main categories: physical, chemical, and biological risks. Physical risks include energy present in the environment, such as noise, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and radiation, with noise above 85 dB(A) being one of the main causes of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Chemical risks refer to substances capable of entering the body, causing pneumoconioses, such as silicosis; systemic poisoning, such as lead poisoning; and occupational dermatoses. Biological risks involve exposure to microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, commonly found in hospitals, rural areas, and slaughterhouses, requiring biosafety measures, biological PPE, vaccination, and strict handling protocols.
Risk prevention and control in the workplace depend on the integrated work of the occupational health team and the application of technical, administrative, and individual measures. Professionals must continuously monitor work environments, apply standards and instructions, promote preventive education, control exposures, and conduct periodic assessments. Thus, the course reinforces that Occupational Medicine not only protects workers’ physical and mental integrity but also contributes to productivity, accident reduction, and organizations’ legal compliance.
