Handling of workers' health information by employers in compliance with Personal Information Protection Law in Japan

Abstract

This study described opinions among occupational health staffs on current occupational health legislation in Japan requiring employers to handle health data of workers and observed recent movements of workplaces to cope their system with newly enforced Personal Information Protection Law (PIP Law). Among 315 valid respondents, only 108 (34.3%) allowed disclosure of results of workers' health examination to employers. Body weight was the most disallowed among regulated items. Medical and non-medical staffs have different opinions on use of health data. The most frequently observed reaction to PIP Law was the confirmation of contract with third party entrusted personal data. Most of the reactions to PIP Law occurred after its enforcement in April 2005. Communication between medical and non-medical staff increases its importance. Companies have to balance their use and protection of workers' health information.