Technical and ethical guidelines for workers' health surveillance

The concept of occupational health was redefined by the joint ILO/WHO Committee on Occupational Health at its 12th session in 1995.

Using the new definition as a starting point, the tripartite ILO Committee of Experts has developed and adopted these guidelines relating to workers' health surveillance.

The guidelines in this book offer help in the design, establishment, implementation and management of workers' health surveillance schemes, leading to a healthy and safe working environment for everyone.

The provisions of these guidelines constitute basic requirements to be used in the development of legislation, regulations, collective agreements, work rules, policies and practical measures at enterprise level.

The guidelines serve the purpose of primary prevention of occupational and work-related diseases and injuries, and should be linked to other measures such as the monitoring of occupational hazards through surveillance of the working environment.

The book covers the practical aspects of organizing workers' health surveillance and the collection, processing and communication of health-related data. Equally, guidance is provided on both the use of such data and the responsibilities, rights and duties of the different parties.