Occupational medicine plays an essential role in protecting the health and safety of workers in Portugal.
Over the years, the country has developed comprehensive legislation and effective policies to ensure that employers fulfill their responsibilities in relation to occupational health.
In this article, we’ll look at the applicable legislation, how the occupational health system works in Portugal, what it includes and the advantages it offers.
1. occupational medicine legislation in Portugal
Law no. 102/2009, of September 10, in its current wording, is the most important milestone in this field and lays down the foundations for health and safety at work.
The law applies to all sectors of economic activity and all workers, including self-employed and temporary workers.
Another important document is Law No. 7/2009, of February 12, which establishes the legal framework for employment contracts and the rights and duties of the parties involved in the employment relationship.
2. How occupational medicine works
Occupational health services can be provided by internal services provided by the companies themselves, or by external services provided by specialized entities recognized by the Directorate-General for Health and the Working Conditions Authority, such as SEPRI.
These services are essential for monitoring and promoting workers’ health, preventing accidents at work and occupational illnesses, as well as supporting the reintegration of employees after medical leave.
Employers have a legal obligation to ensure that their workers have access to compulsory medical examinations related to their work activity and the sector in which they operate.
These examinations are carried out at different times, such as on admission, periodically, occasionally during employment and sometimes on dismissal.
3. What occupational medicine includes
Occupational medicine in Portugal covers several essential areas to ensure a healthy and safe working environment.
Some of the main aspects include:
3.1.
Exames Médicos Obrigatórios: mandatory medical examinations are designed to assess the worker’s ability to perform their duties, as well as to identify possible health risks.
These examinations vary according to the type of professional activity and the risks associated with it.
3.2.
Avaliação de Riscos Ocupacionais: assessing the risks associated with work tasks is a crucial step in preventing accidents and occupational illnesses.
Occupational health professionals collaborate with occupational safety professionals to identify and propose measures to prevent and protect workers.
These recommendations are usually made after a visit to the workplace.
3.3.
Colaborar na Investigação de Acidentes de Trabalho e Gerir os Processos de Doenças Profissionais: When accidents occur at work, it is essential to investigate their causes and circumstances.
This analysis makes it possible to identify faults and implement corrective actions to prevent similar events from occurring in the future.
The same applies to the management and handling of occupational illness cases.
3.4.
Programas de Promoção da Saúde: In addition to preventing accidents, occupational medicine promotes the health and well-being of workers by acting in a preventive rather than curative manner.
This can include programs to encourage physical activity, prevention of alcohol and drug use and actions to manage stress in the workplace.
4. Advantages of occupational medicine
Occupational medicine offers many advantages for companies, workers and society in general:
4.1.
Proteção da Saúde dos Trabalhadores: workers’ health is protected through regular examinations and the early identification of possible work-related health problems.
This allows for timely and appropriate treatment, preventing medical conditions from worsening.
4.2.
Prevenção de Acidentes e Doenças Profissionais: risk assessment and control helps prevent accidents and work-related illnesses.
This results in lower absenteeism, increased productivity and reduced direct and indirect costs associated with accidents at work.
4.3.
Cumprimento da Legislação: occupational medicine helps companies meet their legal obligations with regard to occupational health.
Compliance with legislation avoids fines and legal sanctions, protecting the reputation and sustainability of the business.
4.4.
Melhoria do Clima Organizacional: promoting employee health and well-being contributes to a safer working environment, with healthier and happier people.
This can lead to increased employee satisfaction and, consequently, an improved organizational climate.
4.5.
Contribuição para a Economia: occupational medicine plays a significant role in preserving the workforce and reducing health-related costs, as it acts preventively and in the context where people of working age spend most of their time: at work.
Healthy employees are more productive, resulting in economic benefits for both companies and society as a whole.
Conclusion
Occupational medicine in Portugal is an essential area for guaranteeing the health and safety of workers.
Through mandatory medical examinations, risk assessment and prevention, investigation of occupational diseases and the development of holistic health promotion programs, occupational medicine contributes to a healthy working environment, a reduction in occupational diseases and an increase in productivity.
The benefits achieved extend beyond companies, positively impacting society and the economy as a whole.
Therefore, investing in occupational medicine is a strategic measure that brings significant returns in terms of well-being and business success.
