Occupational health has progressed a long way from the traditional factory nurse role where only treatment and first aid services were undertaken. As a prerequisite, some companies require nurses to undergo and be certified under the Occupational Health and Safety Training for Nurses wherein the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude are being taught. The challenge is to achieve recognition that nurses trained in occupational health bring value to these roles, and to ensure ongoing education equips them for these roles. [Article in French] Rauch N(1). Coordinating the delivery of equitable, comprehensive, quality occupational health services to individuals and groups in the work environment are the primary roles of these nurses (COHNA, 2013). Work-related illnesses and injuries cost employers approximately $1 billion per week in workers' compensation costs, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Author information: (1)17, rue du Colisée, 75008 Paris, France. [Role of the occupational health nurse]. Occupational health nursing is not about duplicating the treatment services of a GP or hospital but involves the provision of a comprehensive number of services based on health risk assessment. The named role of “Occupational Health Nurse” is declining in workplaces, and OHNs are fulfilling broader roles including managerial roles in health and safety. The occupational health nurse role includes: the prevention of health problems, promotion of healthy living and working conditions; understanding the effects of work on health and health at work; basic first aid and health screening In every country, there is an Association of Occupational Health Nurses. Career progression will depend on type of employer and area of work, but occupational health nurses might look to advance to more senior managerial roles, or become self-employed and establish a practice as an occupational health consultant. The missions of occupational health nurses are exclusively preventive, except in the event of emergency situations. Occupational health nurse practitioners treat work-related injuries and educate employees on the benefits of a safe work environment. Employers attempt to reduce these costs by implementing workplace health and safety programs. Nurses might also look to gain a certificate in health and safety, like the NEBOSH general certificate. The Role of the Occupational Health Nurse Occupational health nurses (OHNs) play a dynamic role in the maintenance of workplace health and safety. The missions of occupational health nurses are exclusively preventive, except in the event of emergency situations. Electronic address: presidente.git@gmail.com. They are involved in the prevention of occupational stress, the assessment of psychosocial risks and the improvement of quality of life at work. Employee Health Nurse Duties. Occupational health nurses are considered to be leaders in public health in the workplace setting.