Abstract
This paper is the recording of a lecture on Occupational Health Professionals and the Law in the UK, by Professor Diana Kloss (author of“ Occupational Health Law” 6th edition. Wiley Blackwell, MBE). In the UK, the government is increasingly focusing on occupational health. In the country, as “medical care for employees” by the conscience or welfare provision measures of employers has its roots in occupational health, so caring for private injuries and illnesses also naturally falls within its scope. Since General Practitioners (GPs) are responsible for primary care under the National health service （NHS） system, they also play the preventive role that occupational physicians play in Japan. Meanwhile, with the establishment of the NHS free medical care system for all citizens, occupational health has come to develop its own unique significance, especially in the prevention of occupational diseases. One of the reasons why occupational physicians are well utilized in the UK, even though it is not legally required to appoint them, is that employers are highly obligated to provide health management, and they are useful as a risk hedge for employers. As occupational health is not stipulated in the legal system, it has been developed as a business. Occupational nurses also play an important role and are respected by both labour and management. They are also collaborating with related professions such as counsellors and physical therapists. Universities and private professional organizations are actively providing training and certification for occupational physicians, nurses and others. It is also noteworthy that nurses and some other professionals are given the authority to write fit notes, which are equivalent to medical certificates in Japan, thus alleviating the burden on GPs.
