Problems of professional selection and the effect of the healthy worker in occupational health

Introduction. The ”healthy worker effect” (HWE) is currently understood as organized (on the part of the employer) and/or unorganized (self-selection on the part of the worker, due to the functional capabilities and state of health of workers in unfavourable working conditions, is one of the most critical problems when conducting epidemiological studies in occupational pathology. 

Purpose and objectives. Analysis of the problem in occupational health and safety, the scientific and medical terminology used in the study of the issue of occupational health and safety, taking into account the possible inversion of the effect of exposure to harmful and unfavourable working conditions taking into account this phenomenon, as well as the intensity of occupational health and safety in various professional cohorts.

Results. When conducting epidemiological studies in occupational health and occupational pathology, it is necessary to unify the scientific and medical terminology used in researching HWE and consider the possible inversion of exposure to harmful and unfavourable working conditions taking into account this phenomenon. 

Conclusions. HWE and its intensity in various professional cohorts can indirectly characterize the harmfulness and unfavorability of conditions. HWE, its degree of severity and intensity determine the need for medical and social security and rehabilitation measures in these professional cohorts.

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