WHO launches a commission to tackle loneliness
On 15th November 2023, a news flashed out from the WHO (World Health Organization) headquarters announcing a new Commission on Social Connection to address loneliness, with US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy as its co-chair. In 2018, UK had appointed its first Minister for...
Is your office as safe for your health as it looks?
Companies and some Occupational Health (OH) physicians often get overwhelmed when it comes to establishing OH in the factory and/or office. In India, companies usually comply by establishing OH in their factories as per recommendations of Indian Factories Act. However, there are companies who go...
Discrimination at workplace and high blood pressure
The world in general and workplaces in particular are becoming a difficult place to be. A recent study published in Journal of the American Heart Association (JAMA) in April 2023 seem to suggest that those who experienced workplace discrimination developed high blood pressure. One of...
The 70-hour workweek: should India work so much?
Recently one of India’s IT leader and Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy, whom many including me hold in high esteem, sparked a debate when he spoke about working for 70-hours per week. In the past, many Indian leaders have voiced similar views. Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO...
Occupational (work-related) health risks and sustainable energy transition
The traditional oil and gas sector, now called as energy sector is witnessing major changes. Conventional energy sources like oil (petrol, diesel etc.) wood, charcoal etc. are being displaced by ‘green energy’ to mitigate the dangerous and often irreversible effects of conventional energy on climate...
Work-life balance: an ingredient to make better managers
Recent research has indicated that having a work-life balance in your daily regime may make you a better manager. Isn’t it something to pursue? Is there a role for an Occupational Health physician here? Occupational Health (OH) as a medical specialty is evolving and hence...
Food and water safety at workplace
It is a moral responsibility of the food provider in case people get sick due to eating unsafe food provided. It is an Occupational Illness (OI) if the food provided by the employer leads to sickness in the employees. Food safety is important because unsafe...
Domestic workers and Occupational Health
Domestic work is an old occupation with ancient Mesopotamian (present day Iraq, parts of present-day Iran, Syria, Turkey and Kuwait) sources referring to it. Historically, domestic workers were employed by those who could afford a helping hand to do their daily chores. Domestic work was...
