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[Historical changes in medical examinations for those engaged in specified work in Japan: Work covered and criteria]
Naoto Ito1, Ayaka Yoshida2, Koji Mori3
1Occupational Health Training Center, University of Occupational and Environmental Health.
Objectives:
In Japan, so-called "medical examinations for those engaged in specified work" involve the same tests as those in general medical examinations, regardless of the type of work engaged in. The role of these medical examinations and "medical examinations with specified items for those engaged in harmful work operations" is also unclear. Therefore, questions have been raised about the appropriateness of the work covered by this medical examination. However, its legal system is complex and difficult to interpret. This study clarifies the changes in the type of work and their criteria covered by this medical examination.
Methods:
We investigated laws and regulations, notifications, papers, and publications related to the history of medical examinations for those engaged in specified work.
Results:
In 1947, Article 48 of the former ordinance on industrial safety and health stipulated that those engaged in work involving the handling of harmful substances that require special safety and health management shall undergo so-called "medical examinations for those engaged in specified work." Quantitative criteria for this work were indicated in a notification in 1948 in the form of tentative reference values, and they have not changed significantly since then. As a result, many of the standards used to determine who is subject to medical examinations for those engaged in specified work have exceeded allowable concentrations.
Conclusion:
The work covered by medical examinations for those engaged in specified work and its criteria have hardly been modified in approximately 70 years. In view of the changes in social environment and improvement in management methods for harmful work, it is necessary to rearrange the purposes and roles of the medical examinations with specified items for those engaged in harmful work operations and medical examinations for those engaged in specified work and to reconsider the method of the medical examinations for those engaged in specified work.
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