From workers to the working age population: A new paradigm for the Occupational Health Service

Publication date: Available online 13 July 2019Source: Safety and Health at WorkAuthor(s): Jungsun Park, Yangho KimAbstractThe globalization of the economies of most countries has led to profound changes in employment; in particular, it has increased the type and proportion of non-standard workers, such as part-time workers, temporary workers, agency or service contract workers, and dependent self-employed. Occupational health service (OHS) was originally developed to protect incumbent (permanent and full-time) employees performing hazardous or dangerous jobs, mainly in medium-sized or large industries. Hence, workers employed in microenterprises, non-standard workers, and self-employed are outside the framework of the OHS. Vulnerable workers who are outside OHS coverage were estimated to account for approximately half of the economically active population (working age population) in South Korea. We suggest that the target of the OHS scheme should be expanded to cover the entire workforce and also meet the needs of the entire working age population. A paradigm change is needed to improve the work ability of all working age population.
Source: Safety and Health at Work - Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research