Regularly Apply for Health Tracking Checkups for the Prevention of Occupational Diseases to Better Protect Workers' Health Rights
In order to safeguard the health and wellbeing of workers engaged in hazardous work and prevent the occurrence of occupational diseases, since the Labor Occupational Accident Insurance and Protection Act came into effect on May 1, 2022, the BLI has increased the follow-up health examinations in addition to occupational disease prevention health examinations. Workers who are engaged in hazardous work such as exposure to benzene, nickel, formaldehyde, etc. and who have one year consecutive seniority of insurance coverage can apply for annual occupational disease prevention follow-up health examinations even after changing jobs, leaving the company or suspension of the insurance coverage. The related expenses will be covered by the BLI.
The BLI pointed out that considering the potential period of occupational diseases of workers engaged in certain types of hazardous work may range from 10 to 30 years, it is necessary to track their health status over a prolonged period. To strengthen the protection of their health rights, follow-up health examinations are conducted in accordance with the examination items of the health examination for the prevention of occupational diseases. In addition to investigating the work history, living habits and relevant past medical history of workers, special health examination items are provided to check for possible exposure to hazards when engaged in hazardous work, as well as early detection of signs of occupational-related diseases to keep an eye on the health and wellbeing of workers.
The Bureau of Labor Insurance reminds workers that they should first submit an application and only after the BLI has examined the application and issued a health examination certificate, can they go to an approved health examination hospital for a health examination. The BLI will not be able to cover related health examination expenses for workers who accept health checkups without presenting their health examination certificate.