[Work capacity--approach and evaluation criteria].

Abstract

In occupations involving specific risk factors, the employer is required by law to have his candidates/employees physically examined in the course of pre-placement/work, as a measure of health and safety protection. Upon examination, the occupational health physician issues to the employer a statement of the candidate's/employee's suitability for work. Mandatory pre-placement and periodic medical examinations are also required for workers who may affect the health and safety of the public such as workers in public transportation or food processing. This paper looks into the implementation of regulations and actual practice in performing relevant medical examinations. One of the issues described is the determination of a worker's temporary disability. Practicing physician determines a disability and rates the physical impairment. She or he has to translate clinical information into a decision about whether a patient is able to work. This decision is the basis for healthcare compensation and benefits and requires knowledge not only of the illness or injury and the patient, but also of the job tasks and exposure. From the medical standpoint, it may be difficult to determine when a period of temporary disability has ended or if a degree of impairment has remained, and when the temporary partial or total disability has become permanent. The paper discusses the assessment of total or partial permanent disabilities based on the new Pension Insurance Act (1998) and the differences from earlier criteria, summarising the implementation of new regulations for years 2000 and 2001.