Attorney-directed screenings can be hazardous

The history of occupational health screenings indicate that they are often necessary to protect the health and interests of workers. However, medical screenings for asbestos and other occupational diseases which are organized and funded by attorneys may result in serious adverse outcomes to those screened.

We report a case of death that appears to have been heavily influenced by an attorney-initiated and -directed screening program.

While well-run medical screening programs are essential to disease detection in workers, attorney-run and corporate screenings can be fraught with ethical and practical problems. Screenings have been used by corporations to identify workers with occupational illness in order to terminate their employment and avoid legal liability. Screenings can also be used to motivate workers to stop smoking and implement workplace controls. However, these screenings must be conducted responsibly.

Although this is only one case it illustrates the gravity and potential danger of attorney-directed screening programs.