Comparative study of occupational disease information system in countries United States, Finland, France and Iran in 2009

Occupational diseases are certain sorts of diseases that have been caused by special jobs and subject to special circumstances. There are several factors that can intensify these diseases. Studies of various countries have indicated that they have played an effective role in decreasing exposures and its economic costs and attracting optimal resources through establishment of a comprehensive information system for occupational diseases. In this study the occupational disease Information system in selected countries are compared. This is a descriptive study which was conducted in 2008, during which information systems in USA, Finland, France and Iran have been studied based on their objectives, structure, most important data base characteristics and active organizations. Main instrument of this research were articles, books, magazines and valid internet sites in English language. All the three selected countries had an electronic information system and database in the field of occupational disease. In Finland, occupational diseases data as well as their damages are kept in separate databases; while USA lacks a comprehensive system. In France, supervision on laboratories is a priority. In Iran, there is no certain comprehensive system for registering diseases. Occupational diseases information system in Finland is more comprehensive. Iran lacks such a comprehensive system. So, it is recommended to use experiences of other countries and establish electronic comprehensive disease system.