Workers' Participation and Control in Italy: The Case of Occupational Medicine

1980 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Assennato ◽  
Vicente Navarro

This article sets forth a historical and current analysis of (a) the occupational health services in Italy; and (b) the political, economic, and social forces that determined them. Special focus is placed on the analysis of the events leading to the establishment in 1969 of forms of direct democracy at the workplace, i.e. workers' committees, and their consequences for the occupational health services. Also described and analyzed are the responsibilities and modus operandi of these committees in the creation and reproduction of scientific knowledge at the point of production. The relationship between the workers' committees, the “experts,” and the institutions of medicine, as well as that between the workers' committees, political parties, and the trade unions, is also discussed. An update on the impact that recent political developments have had on these workers' committees concludes the article.

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 575-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie London

AIDS interventions typically fail to address the disjuncture between private behaviors and the social determinants of HIV infection. Data from a telephone survey of manufacturing companies and a postal survey of occupational health nurses in the Western Cape, South Africa, were used to explore the possible role of occupational health services in prevention and control of AIDS. The author found limited evidence of worker involvement in AIDS programs, particularly in companies with occupational health professionals. The management of sexually transmitted diseases was incomplete. Mandatory pre-employment testing of workers for HIV was not widespread. Respondents' opinions on priorities for AIDS prevention and control reflected a preoccupation with knowledge transfer. To ensure their effectiveness, workplace AIDS programs must improve worker participation and integrate AIDS prevention in general workplace health and safety programs. In addition, education programs must develop objectives within a critical theoretical understanding of the behavioral issues relevant to AIDS prevention, and must emphasize the empowerment of women in the workplace. In the context of the present restructuring of health services in South Africa, occupational health services, using the strategies outlined, can make a major contribution to national AIDS prevention and control.


2008 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Palmgren ◽  
Päivi Jalonen ◽  
Simo Kaleva

Health Education and Communication in Occupational Health Services in FinlandThis article discusses health education and communication in Occupational Health Services (OHS) based on a questionnaire study conducted in Finnish OHS in 2005. The study focused on educational activities carried out by OH professionals and directed at individual employees, work communities and groups, and representatives of client organisations. The questionnaire was sent to 1132 OH professionals - physicians, nurses, physiotherapists and psychologists - working in 130 OHS units, and representing different OHS providers in Finland. 635 respondents (162 physicians, 342 nurses, 96 physiotherapists, 35 psychologists) returned the questionnaire. The overall response rate was 58 %. There were statistically significant differences in educational activities by different professional groups; differences were also related to the length of working experience in OHS. For all OH professionals, individual employees were the primary clients of health education and communication. Education was less often directed at work communities and representatives of client organisations. However, many issues related to health and well-being at work are not within the reach of individual employees. The impact of health education would be more evident if it also reached those organisational stakeholders with discretion in decision-making. Furthermore, OH personnel should pay attention to the social aspect of learning and work more with groups and work communities.


1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Kalliokoski ◽  
J. Kangas ◽  
M. Kotimaa ◽  
K. Louhelainen

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Iancheva ◽  
T Kundurzhiev ◽  
N Tzacheva ◽  
L Hristova

Abstract The study is based on the National Science Program 'eHealth in Bulgaria (e-Health)', funded by the Ministry of Education and Science. Partnership Contract No. D-01-200/16.11.2018 Issue Occupational health is closely linked to public health and health system. In Bulgaria there are many software products related to the registration and reporting of occupational health. Description of the Problem It is necessary to study all the determinants of occupational health, including the risks of diseases and accidents in the occupational environment, social and individual factors. The establishment of electronic systems for registering and monitoring both the health status of each worker and the possible hazards in the work environment is associated with the introduction and use of the occupational health record of each worker. Results The methodology for improving the module for occupational diseases in the structure of the occupational health record in Bulgaria has been developed. The classifications are in compliance with the legislation in the country and the requirements of the developing Eurostat methodology for European statistics on occupational diseases are applied. The occupational health record will serve both employers and physicians working in Occupational Health Services. Lessons The occupational disease module in the structure of the occupational health record will contribute to the statistical comparability of occupational disease data at regional and national level. Not only will the registration of the harmful factors of the working environment and the diseases related to the work process, but also the introduction of timely measures to ensure good occupational and public health. Key messages Through the occupational disease module, the structure of the occupational health record introduces the possibility of taking adequate measures to ensure good occupational health. The occupational health record will serve both employers and physicians working in Occupational Health Services.


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