Austria

Occupational medicine in Austria

History

General practitioners are working as company physicians in big companies since the beginning of the 20th century. During the sixties the preventive character becomes more and more important.

1973: Austria obligates large companies to employ company physicians, the first academy of OM was founded.

2000: Every employer has the right for occupational medicine.

Science:

In the end of 19th and beginning of 20th century especially hygienic specialists did research on occupational health issues.

1969: The first chair for occupational medicine was established at the University of Vienna

1979: University Hospital of OM in Vienna, now Institute of OM as a part of University Hospital

ORGANISATION

 NATURE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

Private, companies, outsource

Companies have the possibility to employ occupational physicians, to

enter into contracts with freelance occupational physicians or

to hire an occupational health centre.

PROFFESIONS

There are two possibilities in Austria to practice the occupational health profession. After three years of clinical training to become general practitioner, the doctor has to attend a 12 weeks program (360 lessions) at the academy for occupational health. Upon completion the doctor can start working as an occupational physician in companies.

The second possibility is to complete a training to become a specialist for occupational health. This lasts for six years. Four out of these six years have to be done for example in a centre for occupational health. The remaining two years have to be spent in the diverse clinical departments of a hospital.

TASKS

The occupational physician has to do several examinations if employees are exposed to substances that are damaging one´s health, for which the legislation has specified the need for examinations. The occupational physicianhas to be called in cases of health protection, determining different dangers, planning of place of work and workspace, reintegration of diseased employees. The occupational physician is working closely with the safety engineers.

HOT TOPICS

Training of specialists of occupational health

Scientific research

Occupational health at universities for medicine

ASSOCIATION

Österreichische Gesellschaft für Arbeitsmedizin

President ÖGA: Karl Hochgatterer

Vice president: Susanne Schunder-Tatzber

www.gamed.at

Office:

Österreichische Gesellschaft für Arbeitsmedizin

Clemens-Holzmeister Straße 6, 4. Stock

1100 Wien

Austria

Email: office@gamed.at

+43 (0)681 10 650 840