Multiple channels for occupational health services to small-scale enterprises in Japan

This study was performed to clarify the characteristics of multiple channels for occupational health services (OHS) to small-scale enterprises (SSEs) in Japan employing less than 50 workers by reviewing relevant research papers. OHS were provided to SSEs by both government organizations and non-government organizations. Government organizations included the Japanese Industrial Safety & Health Association, regional occupational health centres, prefectural occupational health promotion centres, and other health centres. Non-government organizations were parent companies, occupational health organizations, hospitals, medical associations, trade associations and health insurance societies. The quality of OHS in terms of provision of health personnel and the nature of their services differed greatly between the organizations. Health care programmes were more popular than management of the work environment or working practices in OHS to SSEs. Few organizations provided comprehensive OHS to SSEs. At present, parent companies and occupational health organizations appear to provide the best OHS available to SSEs in Japan.