Provides an overview of occupational health services available to workers in 32 European countries. The overview draws upon a survey conducted to obtain information on the general development of occupational health services in Europe, to identify the official objectives and legislation guiding this development, and to analyse the extent to which services are meeting the health needs of workers. The book has nine chapters. The opening chapters discuss the legislative basis of services in different European countries, consider the role played by health ministries, labour ministries, and labour unions, and outline guidance provided by international organizations. Five principles for defining the objectives of occupational health services are identified, with the prevention of occupational health hazards consistently reported as the most important objective. Few European programmes are noted to incorporate objectives covering the psychological and social aspects of workers health and wellbeing. Ten functions that should be performed by a well-developed occupational health service are also identified. Other chapters describe models used for the organization of occupational health services in Europe and compare coverage rates, numbers and density of personnel, and available support systems, including sources of funding. The book concludes with a discussion of problems and trends, noting the consistent failure of services to reach the self-employed, small industries, agriculture, and mobile sectors such as transportation and construction.

eng.

kor.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

EUR/ICP/OCH 112

4