Narmin Hassanzadeh-Rangi, Bayan Hosseini, Yeganeh Akhtari, Ehsan Farvaresh, Yahya Khosravi,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to profile Iran's occupational health services and identify the challenges and implementation strategies, with a focus on the coverage of these services and interventions.
Methods: This mixed-method research utilized a triangulation approach to generate qualitative data through document reviews from international organizations such as the WHO and ILO, examination of national occupational health systems, laws and regulations, previous studies, and interviews. Quantitative data were collected from a national portal using a standard inspection checklist and secondary data from the National Statistics Center. Qualitative data were analyzed using both inductive and deductive content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: The occupational health services profile for Iran was developed, comprising 45 indicators across 9 areas and 6 types. The coverage levels for inspection services were 93% for covered workplaces, 39% for all existing workplaces, 92% for covered workplaces, and 15% for all existing workers. Among covered workplaces, access to full health facilities was at 48%, while occupational exposure control was at 18%. For covered workers, the coverage rates for occupational examinations, health training, and use of personal protective equipment were 58%, 62%, and 66%, respectively.
Conclusion: The key intervention for improving service coverage and stability—aside from inspections, which are governed—lies in outsourcing services to various providers. This approach involves removing existing barriers and enhancing service provision for small workshops. Additionally, redesigning occupational health services should focus on modifying educational curricula, research, and implementation programs, emphasizing the economic aspects of controls, prioritizing low-cost and effective measures, especially in small workplaces.
