Ministry of Health Stresses “Men’s Occupational Health”; Continuous Monitoring of Risks and New Professional Hygiene Requirements in the Workforce
Tehran – Health and Environmental Safety (HSE) Desk: Coinciding with Men’s Health Week, the Head of the Environmental and Occupational Health Center of the Ministry of Health announced the implementation of new monitoring programs aimed at upgrading the Occupational Health indicators for the workforce. These programs are prioritized toward the working population, predominantly male, to control hazardous factors in industrial and service environments.
According to Webda News Agency, Dr. Mohsen Farhadi emphasized that a significant portion of the national workforce is composed of men, stating that the Environmental and Occupational Health Center provides extensive services aimed at monitoring the health of employed individuals. While all workers (both male and female) are covered, special surveillance programs are designed for men due to their higher concentration in arduous and hazardous occupations.
Enhancement of Biological Surveillance and Periodic Examinations
Referring to the importance of early detection of work-related diseases, he added: The precise execution of pre-employment medical examinations to assess fitness for the job and periodic examinations for workers exposed to environmental contaminants is mandatory. These continuous monitoring processes allow occupational hygiene inspectors to track even minor changes in worker health status and prevent chronic conditions.
Monitoring of Hazardous Factors and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
The Head of the Environmental and Occupational Health Center specified that inspectors systematically visit industrial units to identify and control physical and chemical risk factors. He stated:
“In occupations facing challenges such as excessive noise levels (Noise Pollution), inadequate lighting, or electromagnetic waves, employers are mandated to implement control protocols and supply standardized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including protective earplugs, safety goggles, and specialized respiratory masks tailored to the contaminant type. Failure to comply with these standards will result in the uncompromising referral of non-compliant units to judicial authorities.”
Nationwide Occupational Health Coverage for 36 Million Workers
Farhadi noted that approximately 30 to 36 million people are employed across various sectors, including manufacturing, industry, trade, and services (such as restaurants and hotels), and all are covered by occupational health programs. He also highlighted specialized programs for professional drivers (trucks, buses, and taxis), noting that due to ergonomic and occupational stress risks in this profession, drivers undergo specific medical assessments, which fall under the Ministry of Health’s portfolio for men’s health.
Clarification Regarding “Health Card” Requirements
Addressing public ambiguities concerning the removal of the Health Card from the business license renewal process, Farhadi clarified:
“The recent decision by the Deregulation Board was solely an administrative facilitation that suspended the requirement to present a Health Card for the renewal process of a business license, aiming to streamline the business environment. This does not mean the legal obligation to obtain and maintain a valid Health Card has been eliminated. All personnel dealing with food items and health-related processes remain legally obligated to secure and renew their Health Cards, and inspectors will strictly monitor this as a core health prerequisite during field inspections.”
He concluded by emphasizing that the collective measures taken by the Environmental and Professional Health departments are a firm step toward safeguarding the nation’s human capital—its greatest asset—and ensuring the sustainability of health across the economic structure.
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