Occupational Health (OH) is a field of work in public health that promotes and maintains the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in all occupations (ILO/WHO, 1950). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines OH as a multi-disciplinary activity. The goal is to protect workers by preventing and controlling the occurrence of occupational diseases and injuries.

One of the most fundamental disciplines of OH that deals with the assessment of workers’ health, working conditions, processes, and management of cases in the context of the workers’ ability to work and productivity is Occupational Medicine (OM). This is unique in the field of medicine since its focus is on the interface between workers’ health and the workplace. Physicians trained in OM are equipped to diagnose and treat work-related injuries and illnesses effectively. Further, they are up-to-date on existing laws and regulations for workforce safety and health. They work with employers, employees, regulation implementers, and other Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) professionals to create a safer and healthier workplace.

To firm up the promotion of awareness in strategies to prevent and control occupational injuries and illnesses to reduce work-related disability and deaths, Proclamation No. 1316, or “Declaring the Third Week of March of Every Year As ‘Occupational Medicine Week,’” was promulgated on 02 March 2022. This mandates the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) to coordinate with relevant organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, to promote the observance of the OM Week and identify the programs, projects, and activities for the yearly celebration.