The practice of occupational and environmental health in Belgium

Occupational medicine and occupational health regulations in Belgium are succinctly presented. Since 1970 a minimum level of appropriate training has been required for conferral of a certificate in occupational medicine. At some universities this training is integrated into a larger programme which meets the requirements of EEC Directive 89/594. The current Belgian legislation relating to the prevention of occupational diseases and injuries is detailed in the Règlement pour la Protection du Travail, first published in 1946 and constantly updated. The occupational physician is supposed to provide advice on the risks to which workers are exposed and the adaptation of working conditions in accordance with the state of health or the abilities of the worker. Employers are obliged by law to cover the risks of accident by subscribing to a private insurance policy which covers any related costs. They also contribute financially to the Fonds des Accidents du Travail (Occupational Accidents Fund) and the Fonds des Maladies Professionnelles (Occupational Diseases Fund). Occupational diseases are recognised and may be financially compensated by the Fonds des Maladies Professionnelles.