Dr. Kogi of ICOH commends Worker’s Health Center of Korea

September 19, 2011

At the 19^th World Congress on Safety and Health at Work held in Istanbul, Turkey from 11^th to 15^th of September, President Kazutaka Kogi of the ICOH (International Commission on Occupational Health) spoke of Worker’s Health Centers, being operated in Korea. During the round table meeting of ENSHPO (European Network of Safety and Health Professional Organizations), Dr. Kogi introduced Workers’ Health Centers to European experts as an exemplary public health service targeting workers.

ENSHPO is a forum for the exchange of the latest information and best practices amongst OSH professionals in Europe. The topic of the forum was about improving the quality and professional level of occupational health service providers.

As an exemplary case of quality professional service providers in occupational health, Dr. Kogi mentioned Worker’s Health Centers being operated in Korea. Dr. Kogi explained that the Health Centers are for workers in small-scale workplaces employing less than 50 workers, where the resources for in-house OSH services are limited. Three Health Centers opened its doors for the first time in 2011. The Worker’s Health Center is a free public health service provided by the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor and Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. Dr. Kogi complimented that professionals in occupational medicine including occupational nurses, psychologists, hygienists, ergonomists, etc. provide a comprehensive health service through the Health Centers.

Worker’s Health Centers started operation in April this year in Incheon Metropolitan City, Ansan City and Gwangju City. The key health services being provided are consultations on occupational diseases, work environment, stress, and early intervention of musculoskeletal disorders for vulnerable workers and those working in small enterprises. New Worker’s Health Centers will be built nationwide in the years to come.