Occupational Health Sciences

How can we improve health and increase well-being in our workplaces? And why are so many people on sick leave from work? Is it due to poor health, poor morale, an overly stressful working life or because the puzzle of life simply does not fit together?

In occupational health sciences, we try to understand these issues and many more. Occupational health science is an interdisciplinary discipline that focuses on the interaction between the phenomena of work and health. The subject explores factors and conditions at the individual, organizational and societal levels.

Research

In occupational health science, we conduct research and education in collaboration with national and international researchers and stakeholders from, among others, Mid Sweden University, regional actors, various authorities and universities in the Nordic countries, Australia and Canada.

In occupational health science, health-promoting, preventive and rehabilitative aspects are studied at the micro, meso- and macro level in order to understand the conditions for a sustainable working life. Research in the subject thus contributes to understanding how working life and the labour market are important for individuals in and outside of work, and how physical, mental and social well-being can be promoted, ill health prevented and well-functioning rehabilitation ensured.

Health and ill health in working life

In occupational health science, conditions that are important for the individual's health are studied in relation to paid and unpaid work, as well as organizational and societal aspects that affect working life and health. By developing and applying research-based methods, principles, concepts and theories about health and work, occupational health science thus contributes to a more holistic understanding of well-being, health and ill-health in relation to work and working life.

Occupational health science contributes to the development of working life and society in various ways. Research in the subject provides knowledge about the conditions that are important for health in relation to factors within and outside the labour market. Such knowledge can be of support for understanding and developing sustainable and decent working conditions, which is of great importance to individuals, organisations and society.

Complex issues

Issues relating to occupational health science are complex and require knowledge in several different areas and are therefore a multidisciplinary subject with elements of work science, sociology, psychology, public health science, law and medicine.

If you are interested in our education and/or our research, you are welcome to contact us who work in occupational health science!