Exam Topics

There is no single published syllabus for the DOccMed examination. The content aligns with core occupational medicine domains taught across formal courses, standard textbooks, and widely used learning resources. The outline below organises these topics into a clear structure for revision.

Ethics and Law

• Equality Act disability definitions, reasonable adjustments
• Consent, confidentiality, and capacity
• Employer vs employee responsibilities
• Key legislation: COSHH, RIDDOR, DSE, Workplace Regulations

Effects of Work on Health

• Occupational lung disease (asthma, asbestos-related disease)
• Noise-induced hearing loss
• Dermatitis (irritant and allergic)
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Work-related stress and mental health

Effects of Health on Work

• Fitness for work assessments
• Return-to-work planning
• Adjustments for chronic conditions
• Safety-critical roles and risk decisions

Occupational Hazards and Hygiene

• Chemical hazards (COSHH principles)
• Physical hazards (noise, vibration, radiation)
• Biological hazards
• Risk assessment and hierarchy of control

Health Surveillance

• Indications for surveillance
• Statutory vs non-statutory
• Interpreting abnormal findings

Workplace Assessment

• Ergonomics and DSE assessment
• Manual handling risks
• Workplace visits and hazard identification
• Control measures and practical recommendations

Epidemiology (Applied)

• Incidence vs prevalence
• Screening principles
• Interpreting risk in occupational settings

Infectious Disease in Occupational Health

• Sharps injuries and BBV exposure
• TB screening and workplace risk
• Vaccination policies
• Outbreak management

Miscellaneous Topics

• Travel, aviation, and driving standards
• Substance misuse
• Pregnancy and work

The exam does not test isolated facts. It tests whether you can apply these domains to real-world scenarios. Most candidates struggle with applying knowledge under exam conditions - not recalling it.