Smoking and determination of workworthiness in industrial enterprises of the highlands

Abstract

The formation of an evidence base for regulatory documents in the field of preliminary and periodic medical examinations is one of the urgent tasks of occupational health in the coming years. In the process of transition to a risk-based approach in occupational health, including in determining suitability for work, objective verification of risk is necessary, and the decision on suitability should be made on its basis. Suitability for work in the unique conditions of the highlands remains one of the least studied topics, since there are only isolated observational studies, the results of which are also not taken into account in the traditional approach of determining suitability. The article provides a brief overview of the association of smoking with various outcomes when working in the highlands. Smoking significantly worsens the prognosis of all outcomes studied in these studies, including even the likelihood of quitting work. The article concludes that it is necessary to plan studies of various outcomes, which can be used as a basis for supplementing and changing the regulatory framework for conducting medical examinations of employees. Particular attention is paid to the need to take into account, among other risk factors, a comprehensive risk assessment when determining suitability for work in mining in the highlands.
 Ethics. The study did not require permission.