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An overview of Japanese occupational health.

1988; American Public Health Association; Volume: 78; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2105/ajph.78.7.809

1541-0048

Michael R. Reich, Howard Frumkin,

Employment and Welfare Studies

This paper provides an overview of Japanese occupational health and evaluates the current situation from three perspectives. Major occupational health hazards are assessed using four sources of data, showing patterns similar to those found in other advanced industrial societies. Institutional structures for occupational health policy are then examined, illustrating strengths and weaknesses of the Japanese legal and administrative systems. Trade union activities are presented, indicating the constraints of enterprise unions, and the tendency for a greater orientation toward compensation than prevention. Significant occupational health problems persist among marginal workers in Japan, including women and various minority groups. The analysis demonstrates a record for occupational health in Japan considerably more mixed than the conventional view.