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Attorney‐directed screenings can be hazardous
Author(s) -
Egilman David,
Bohme Susanna Rankin
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.10347
Subject(s) - medicine , liability , occupational safety and health , occupational disease , asbestos , family medicine , environmental health , medical emergency , law , pathology , materials science , political science , metallurgy
Abstract Background The history of occupational health screenings indicate that they are often necessary to protect the health and interests of workers. However, medical screenings for asbestos and other occupational diseases which are organized and funded by attorneys may result in serious adverse outcomes to those screened. Methods We report a case of death that appears to have been heavily influenced by an attorney‐initiated and ‐directed screening program. Results While well‐run medical screening programs are essential to disease detection in workers, attorney‐run and corporate screenings can be fraught with ethical and practical problems. Screenings have been used by corporations to identify workers with occupational illness in order to terminate their employment and avoid legal liability. Screenings can also be used to motivate workers to stop smoking and implement workplace controls. However, these screenings must be conducted responsibly. Conclusions Although this is only one case it illustrates the gravity and potential danger of attorney‐directed screening programs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 45:305–307, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.