Citation

Reich MR, Frumkin H. Am. J. Public Health 1988; 78(7): 809-816.

Affiliation

Harvard University, School of Public Health, Takemi Program in International Health, Boston, MA 02115.

Erratum On

Am J Public Health 1988;78(12):1530

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, American Public Health Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2968056

PMCID

PMC1350339

Abstract

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.

Language: en