Disparities in working environments and occupational health challenges between metropolitan and regional cities, large corporations and small/medium-sized enterprises: A perspective from occupational physicians

Abstract

Disparities in transportation infrastructure and external occupational health resources between metropolitan and regional cities, stigma toward mental illness, and differences in resources and commitment levels between large corporations and small/medium-sized enterprises are believed to affect workers’ health. These factors are also important from the perspective of social determinants of health (SDH). Occupational physicians play a role in proposing and implementing measures tailored to company size and regional circumstances to promote employee health and productivity improvement. The active involvement of part-time occupational physicians is particularly important in regional areas.