Occupational health nursing in Portugal

Portugal has approximately 10 million inhabitants of which, in 1991, 4,625,200 were employed. The main causes of death are circulatory system illnesses and malignant tumors. The most common occupational diseases are pneumoconiosis, work induced hearing loss, and contact dermatitis. In 1991 1% of the 304,636 occupational accidents were fatal. The majority of Portuguese enterprises have no occupational health services, although occupational health services rules have existed since 1967. The estimated 1,500 occupational health nurses in different roles do not have specialized training; however, as a member of the EC, Portugal will adhere to whatever is accepted in this field.