Disparities in Working Environments and Occupational Health Challenges between Metropolitan and Regional Areas, and between Large and Small-Medium Enterprises:

From a Certified Social Insurance and Labor Consultant (Shakai Hoken Roumushi)

Abstract

Occupational health challenges in regional cities include a higher proportion of small and micro enterprises compared to metropolitan areas, resulting in many workplaces being exempt from the requirement to appoint occupational physicians and health managers, along with insufficient understanding among employers. Through examining the case of Miyagi Prefecture as a regional area, this paper analyzes the current status and challenges of occupational health in workplaces across local municipalities and introduces successful examples of collaboration between occupational physicians and Certified Social Insurance and Labor Consultants as a solution strategy, emphasizing the importance of further promoting such partnerships.