Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Saipem, with more than 42,000 employees, and the Oil Companies involved in activities that are carried out in remote, inhospitable areas must ensure the safety and guarantee the health conditions of workers in relation to the risk factors connected to both the job as well as to the environment in which it is performed. Methods: In such situations, Occupational Health addresses both the health aspects of the workplace and of the community, and is the pivot around which revolves the health-care support of workers employed out of the respective countries of origin in the sense of protection and enhancement of health. The occupational physician is called upon to assess the fitness of workers for jobs that are based in remote areas. �This is why the occupational health physician has to observe simultaneously two important issues, Health Risks Assessment and Occupational Health Program. Health Risks Assessment: Local surveys are carried out before any operations in a new region begin, in order to evaluate; � Local medical epidemiological issues with data relating to the morbidity and mortality of the main endemic pathologies; � Geographical and environmental risk factors; � Risks factors related to the operation and activities; � Hygiene conditions in the workplace, accommodation, recreational areas, canteen, stores and warehouses; � Supply, conservation and distribution of food and water; � Waste disposal; � Availability, accessibility, effectiveness, quality and reliability of local medical facilities and local doctors; � Management of medical emergencies and medical evacuations; � Impact and effect of industrial activities on the health of the local community. Occupational health program � Pre-employment accurate medical examination is performed to assess the worker�s fitness against the risks related to geographical area and occupational activities to prevent illness and/or injury. � Before departure the worker is informed through a counselling program about local risks and will get the protective means (vaccination, etc) he will need. � Health surveillance program is hold during the period of stay. � End employment medical examination assess the worker�s fitness. � Health promotion program include formation and information about lifestyle, company�s policies. Results: In 2011, 6074 medical fitness certificate were issued. 95 workers were no fit for work and 875 fit with prescriptions (limitation for malaria area, no activity off-shore, periodical control for glycaemia, etc.) Conclusion: Full implementation of prevention programs and Health management as described brings an added value to both the employee and company and assures company�s competitive advantage on the market.

Biography

Dr. Vincenzo Nicosia is a Occupational Health physician, He spent for an Italian Oil and Gas Industry (Eni SpA) many years in remote area for develop and implement an Health Management system. Actually he is Occupational Health Manager at Saipem SpA (Eni Group) and President of the Italian Society of Travel Medicine (SIMVIM).