Continuing education aimed at occupational risk prevention

The implementation of European Commission directives has radically modified occupational risk management. In fact, widespread and continuous education addressed to exposed workers is seen by the legislator as one of the most effective means to avoid occupational diseases. The recent establishment of Continuing Medical Education (CME) has helped the system grant CME credits to participants in occupational courses organized by health-care providers. Moreover, the constant development of new health technologies coupled with the high productivity of the legislator confer a short lifetime on the acquired knowledge. Biological risks, biomechanical overload of the lumbar spine, and stress are among the classical risks requiring attention, discussion, and regular updating. Not only health-care workers but also safety technicians, occupational physicians, managers and union representatives should receive scheduled refresher training. Modern technologies such as distance learning, interactive simulation software, and online training tools are often the best teaching solutions. Occupational disease prevention should no longer be seen as a cost but as a cost savings indicator. Since it is closely related to quality promotion, it should play a primary role in the core business of health-care providers.