This blog provides an overview of social determinants of health (SDH) and their influence on the workplace, including a discussion on how occupational health services may be affected.
What Are The Social Determinants Of Health?
The social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. They include income, education, housing, transportation and the environment. The SDOH can impact a person’s health in various ways, including their risk of developing certain diseases and their ability to access healthcare.
Within the occupational health service, the SDOH can significantly impact workers’ health and safety. For example, workers who are paid low wages may be more likely to take risks at work to make ends meet. Workers who live in poor-quality housing or don’t have access to reliable transportation may also have difficulty getting to work safely or on time. These factors can contribute to an increased risk of workplace accidents and injuries.
The SDOH can also impact workers’ mental health. For example, workers who are stressed due to financial insecurity or who don’t have access to affordable childcare may be more likely to experience anxiety or depression. This can impact their ability to focus at work and increases the risk of errors or accidents.
Types Of Social Determinants Of Health And Their Impact On Occupational Health Services
There are many social determinants of health that can impact occupational health services. Some of the most common include income, education, housing, and access to healthcare. Each of these social determinants can significantly impact the health and well-being of workers and in turn, the effectiveness of occupational health services.
Income is perhaps the most important social determinant of health. Workers who earn low incomes are more likely to experience poor health outcomes and have less access to quality healthcare. This can lead to increased absenteeism, lower productivity, and higher healthcare costs for employers.
Education is another essential social determinant of health. Workers with higher levels of education are more likely to be aware of occupational hazards and how to protect themselves from them. They are also more likely to have access to better quality healthcare.
Housing is another social determinant of health that can impact occupational health services. Poor quality housing can expose workers to hazardous materials and increase their risk of injury or illness. It can also lead to stress that can impact mental health and well-being.
Access to healthcare is also a critical social determinant of health. Workers who have access to quality healthcare are more likely to be healthy and productive.
Conclusion
NYUCC offers various occupational health services to help keep employees healthy and safe. The occupational health clinic can provide screenings and vaccinations, and the staff is trained to identify and address potential health hazards in the workplace. The impact of social determinants on health is an essential issue that NYUCC is committed to addressing. By providing services that improve employee health and safety, NYUCC is positively impacting our community’s overall health.
