President’s Message

Healthcare is a large industry in Hong Kong, and has a high incidence of occupational injury and illness. Healthcare workers, ironically, confront perhaps a greater range of significant workplace hazards than workers in any other sector. Healthcare jobs often involve potential exposure to airborne and blood-borne infectious disease, sharps injuries and other dangers; many healthcare jobs can also be physically demanding and mentally stressful. Aging population has increased workload of healthcare workers and manpower become one of the most valuable resources in our healthcare system. Yet, workplace injury induces loss of productivity as injured staff would have sick leave or even not return to work. “People-oriented” is the belief of many successful corporations. Employees are the most valuable asset. It is particularly important in establishing a safe and healthy workplace to safeguard employees’ occupational safety and health.

 

The practice of occupational health nursing requires a broad base knowledge in nursing, public health and human relations. Occupational Health Nurse(OHN) has a pivotal role, and it is therefore imperative that their education should provide them with the necessary knowledge and competencies. In light of the imminent need of OHN in the community, Hong Kong Association of Occupational Health Nurses(HKAOHN) has provided well-structured professional training program "Graduate Certificate Programme(GCP): Occupational Health, Safety, and Hygiene Practice" with site visits, assignments and examinations since 2013. The curriculum is consistent with the core competency of OHN fellowship examination of The Hong Kong College of Community & Public Health Nursing(HKCCPHN) and Hong Kong Academy of Nursing & Midwifery(HKANM). It has raised the standards of their professional education and training, modernized and expanded OHN role at the workplace, and in many situations have emerged as the central key figure involved in delivering high quality occupational health services to the working populations of Hong Kong.

 

We trust that you will find the education and practice resources of the Association both intellectually stimulating and socially rewarding. Your support and contribution enable the work of the Association to be meaningful and significant.   We look forward to seeing you in our activities and educational programmes!   Siu Lun WONG (Mr.)   President Hong Kong Association of Occupational Health Nurses

黄兆麟先生 香港職業健康護士會會長