Occupational health in European member states: a road to organizational health.
After an introduction, giving a short historical perspective on European Health and Safety legislation, the first experiences and opportunities for occupational physicians regarding international co-operation are described, with the first result in a form of a Position Paper on Occupational Health, adopted by the Standing Committee of European Doctors and presented to the European Commission. Since the ultimate shared goal for occupational physicians should be to contribute to the promotion of healthy workforce in safe and sound working conditions, the characteristics of a healthy organization are described with the possible activities to reach these characteristics, with particular attention drawn to the role of different disciplines. The growing importance of the management responsibility for health and safety in their enterprises is stressed and the possible benefits elucidated. The implications and consequences of such an extensive and ambitious program are pointed out with special regard to the challenge to contribute pro-actively to ensuring a healthy workforce in safe and sound working conditions for the benefit of employees, hereby clarifying the role and improving the general perception and position of occupational physicians. The importance of speaking with one voice and sharing ideas with colleagues, employers, employees and governments is essential, if the mission "to contribute to the realization of a healthy workforce in safe and sound working conditions" is to be reached.
van der Vliet
J A
JA
European Network of Societies of Occupational Physicians, De Sitterlaan 21, 5505 AB Veldhoven, The Netherlands.
D005062:European Union; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009787:Occupational Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012308:Risk Management