INVESTIGATING SUSPECTED OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS AND EVALUATING THE WORKPLACE

摘要

Doctors working in general practice or hospital sometimes encounter patients whom they suspect may have an occupational disease (for example, work related asthma, dermatitis, or fibrotic lung disease). It is important to follow up such suspicions because they may present opportunities for preventing disease or for compensation. Several sources of advice are available, but before others are consulted it is important to obtain the patient's consent, particularly if personal information is to be disclosed. Discussion with the patient is also recommended if any approach is to be made to the employer.