There is medical evidence that supports the view that some common health problems are directly linked to the occupations of patients e.g. Musculoskeletal disorders, occupational dermatitis, work related injuries, work related stress and mental ill health, drug and alcohol addiction, occupational lung diseases, certain cancers, and the risk of transmission of blood borne viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C which may occur within the health care sector.
About 80% of patients who visit their General Practitioners and other primary health care facilities present with work related health problems. It is encouraging that in recent times relevant departments in Africa are beginning to recognize the importance of occupational health in terms of overall operational cost to organizations due to sickness absence and litigation/compensation costs as a result of work-related injuries and diseases.