On October 6-7, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Ministry of Labor held the 2016 International Conference on Occupational Health Services at the NTUH International Convention Center. The administration invited domestic and foreign experts to share their experiences in workers’ health services on topics such as dealing with workforce psychological stress prevention in order to strengthen workers’ protection mechanisms in Taiwan.
According to statistics, the majority of occupational diseases in Taiwan are musculoskeletal disorders caused by hazardous ergonomic factors. Cases of changes in industries and work patterns as well as abnormal workloads such as long hours of work or psychological stress triggering related diseases also occur frequently. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration introduced the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 2015; its amendments stipulate that employers must implement measures to protect and promote the physical and mental health of workers.
In order to increase Taiwan's occupational health patient care rate from 20% to 50% within five years (2016 to 2020), the administration has established Workers' Health Services Centers and 34 service networks to provide businesses and employees with consultation services. The administration also amended the “Key Points to Assist Businesses Improve Work Environment and Promote Workplace Health for Employees,” revising it to include subsidies for the employing of or special arranging of engagement by medical staff at corporations employing 299 or fewer employees.
Once again, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration appeals to enterprises that an enterprise is healthy only if its employees are healthy. Enterprises and governments must work together to create safe, friendly and healthy work environments.