Occupational Medicine in Europe: Scope and Competencies

Abstract

This document presents the current role of occupational physicians in Europe, modified as a result of new legislation and policies in public and occupational health in the European Union and other countries. The new model of occupational health practice integrates various occupational health professions, and possibly other specialists involved in preventive activities, into multidisciplinary preventive services capable of detecting and controlling occupational, non-occupation and environmental health risks. This publication presents views on the scope of occupational medicine and its relation to allied professions and broader disciplines such as environmental and occupational health. The obligatory tasks (imposed by national regulations) and voluntary tasks (recommended by working communities or international guidance documents) to be carried out by occupational physicians have been included.