The Application of Ontario Human Rights Legislation to the Practice of Occupational Medicine

• Published in: Occupational medicine (Oxford) Vol. 50; no. 5; pp. 348 - 352
• Main Authors: Schweigert, M. K., Ritter, C. J., MacKenzie, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.07.2000
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Canada, Ontario; Clinical practices; Health Policy; human rights; Human Rights - legislation & jurisprudence; Humans; legislation; Legislation. Organization; Medical sciences; Occupational Health - legislation & jurisprudence; Occupational medicine; Occupational Medicine - legislation & jurisprudence; Ontario; Prejudice; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Substance Abuse Detection; Canada; North America; Ontario; America; Human; Drug addiction; Alcoholism; Legislation; Professional practice; Medical check up; Occupational medicine; Recruitment
• ISSN: 0962-7480; 1471-8405
• DOI: 10.1093/occmed/50.5.348

Although human rights legislation has important implications for occupational physicians, these implications may be overlooked in the practice of occupational medicine in other countries Where human rights legislation may be different. The potential for significant oversights becomes greater as organizations continue to centralize international business support functions, such as occupational health services, operating from a single site. Human rights legislation has important implications with respect to policy decisions upon which an occupational physician has influence. This includes decisions about whether to conduct drug and alcohol testing; the performance of medical examinations; evaluating issues related to health and safety concerns of pregnant employees; and the need to work accommodate those with handicaps as defined by human rights legislation. This article examines the application of the Ontario human rights legislation in these areas.