International comparison of occupational health related laws and occupational health systems on ethics

Abstract

We compared occupational health related laws and occupational health systems on ethics in Germany, France, USA, UK, and Japan, and reviewed them. The duties of appointment of occupational physicians, competence of occupational physicians, responsibility for maintaining the confidentiality of the medical records, professional independence of occupational physicians, employment and dismissal of occupational physicians, etc. were discussed. Concerning maintaining the medical privacy of workers, the Japanese law and system are thought to be different from those of other countries. Concerning the professional independence of occupational physicians, the Japanese law does not have this point of view. We hope that Japanese occupational physicians express their opinions on these issues.