What is the role of occupational and environmental health nurses?

• A. Prevention of injury, screenings, and emergency treatment for employees
• B. Administrative duties related to safety programs
• C. Health risk assessment and vaccination clinics
• D. Emergency response planning and incident investigation

Answer: (A)

Occupational and environmental health nurses focus on keeping workers healthy and safe by preventing illness and injury, detecting health issues early, and providing on-site care. They design and implement prevention programs so hazards are reduced, perform screenings to identify health problems that could affect work, and deliver immediate care such as first aid and emergency treatment when injuries occur. While they may be involved in vaccination clinics, risk assessments, or coordinating broader safety activities, the core nursing role is about proactive protection, early detection, and on-site care for employees. That combination—prevention, screenings, and emergency treatment—best represents their primary scope of practice.