Occupational Health and Overlooked Industries

When people think of occupational health they often imagine traditional workplaces such as factories, construction sites, or corporate offices. However, occupational health is a critical consideration for every workplace, including some less conventional settings. Whether you’re a freelancer, a gig economy worker, or a remote employee working from home, your health and well-being at work matter just as much as those in traditional employment.

Why Occupational Health is Universal

Occupational health encompasses everything from physical safety to mental well-being, ensuring that workers can perform their jobs safely and effectively. In an era where work has evolved beyond conventional office spaces and fixed employment contracts, addressing occupational health across all industries is essential. Regardless of the work environment, the same fundamental principles apply: reducing risk, preventing injury, and supporting overall well-being.

Unconventional Workspaces & Occupational Health Support

While industries such as manufacturing and healthcare have well-established occupational health measures, there are many workplaces where the need for occupational health is often overlooked. Let’s explore some of these unique settings.

The Gig Economy

The gig economy has exploded in recent years, with workers in roles such as ride-share driving, food delivery, and freelance labour. Many of these individuals lack the occupational health support that traditional employees receive. Common health concerns include:

• Musculoskeletal issues - Repetitive movements, prolonged sitting, or long driving hours can lead to musculoskeletal issues.
• Mental health, stress & anxiety - Irregular work hours, job insecurity, and lack of employer support can impact mental well-being.
• Exposure risks - Delivery drivers and couriers face exposure to traffic hazards, extreme weather, and even potential aggression from customers.

Homeworkers and Remote Employees

Working from home has become the new norm for many, but it comes with its own set of occupational health challenges:

• Ergonomics - Poor workstation setups can lead to back pain, eye strain, and repetitive strain injuries.
• Mental health – burn out & stress Isolation and blurred boundaries between work and personal life can lead to burnout and stress.
• Inactivity and wellbeing - Without a structured work environment, remote workers may struggle with physical inactivity, leading to health problems such as obesity and cardiovascular issues.

Agricultural Workers

Agricultural workers face a unique set of challenges and are often overlooked in occupational health. Long hours in the field, exposure to the elements, and the handling of heavy machinery or chemicals are just a few of the risks associated with this sector.

• Musculoskeletal disorders - Repetitive strain injuries can be formed from prolonged tasks such as harvesting as well as back injuries from lifting heavy loads. They can experience joint and muscle pain due to long periods of operating heavy machinery.
• Chemical exposure & respiratory issues - An increased risk of long-term health effects from pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers and potential for respiratory issues due to inhalation of chemicals or dust from treated crops and soil.
• Depression, anxiety & burnout - High levels of stress are consistently recorded in the agricultural industry due to long-hours unpredictable outcomes and fluctuating prices. There is also an increased risk of depression and anxiety associated with isolation, and burn out.

Freelancers and Independent Contractors

Freelancers often work across various industries, from graphic design and writing to trades like plumbing and electrical work. Unlike full-time employees, they usually lack access to occupational health resources, making self-care even more critical:

• Irregular working hours - Without a structured work schedule, many freelancers experience sleep deprivation and mental exhaustion.
• Financial stress - The uncertainty of income can contribute to anxiety and stress-related health issues.
• Lack of employer-provided safety measures - Tradespeople working independently may not have access to the same safety training and protective equipment as those in formal employment.

Bringing Occupational Health to Every Workplace 

Occupational health is a service that should be available for employers but workers themselves can take proactive steps: 

• Employers and platforms should offer health resources – Gig economy platforms and remote-first companies should provide guidance on safe working conditions, ergonomic best practices, and access to mental health resources. 

• Regulations should adapt – Governments should recognise non-traditional workers in health and safety laws to ensure they protections in place that offer similar protection to traditional employees. 

• Workers should prioritise self-care – Independent workers can take the initiative to make their own workplaces safer, ensure that equipment is fit for tasks and consider early access to medical support where there are any issues

Occupational health is not just for factory workers and office employees, it is essential for everyone who engages in work, no matter how unconventional their workplace may be. As work continues to evolve, so must our understanding of occupational health, ensuring that every worker, whether on a construction site, behind a laptop at home, or driving a ride-share vehicle, receives the support they need to stay healthy and productive.