Basic occupational health services in Baoan, China

The aim of the study was to develop a model of basic occupational health services (BOHS) in Baoan, which could provide occupational health services (OHS) universally for workers and control occupational hazards.

Steps involved in the BOHS strategy included construction of the BOHS system, capacity building, health training and education, surveillance of workplaces and the health of workers, risk assessment, control and evaluation processes.

This model provided BOHS to employees universally, especially migrant workers in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who had been underserved. It expanded the coverage of OHS and improved their content. The knowledge and recognition rate of occupational diseases, the coverage rates of working places and workers rose significantly after three years development. Furthermore, BOHS were cost-effective and accepted by both employers and employees.

Our experience suggests that a BOHS strategy might be a feasible and effective way of protecting the health of workers confronted with occupational hazards.