The social relevance of occupational medical examinations in Brazil.

Brazilian Bill No. 1,083/2021 highlights the need to reflect on the foundations, values, and objectives of occupational medical examinations. This essay, addressed to occupational physicians as well as other members and leaders of Brazilian society, discusses the importance and fundamental objectives of occupational medical examinations as an epidemiological and preventive tool aimed at promoting, monitoring, and conducting surveillance of workers' overall health, with the potential to benefit public health and Brazilian society. The objectives and potential of occupational medical examinations extend beyond their medicolegal functions related to assessing fitness for work or establishing a causal relationship between disease and work. Occupational medical examinations are not an end in themselves but rather an entry point to multiple care pathways aimed at the prevention, monitoring, and comprehensive health care of workers. These actions encompass both asymptomatic workers exposed to risk factors for illness and those who already exhibit early signs of adverse health effects, while also including preventive ergonomic interventions, investigations of occupational accidents and work-related diseases, among others. The planning of these care pathways, priority setting, resource allocation, and evaluation of their effectiveness depend on epidemiological data obtained through occupational medical examinations. In this context, technical position statements issued by institutions representing occupational health can contribute to building consensus and advancing best practices related to occupational medical examinations. The authors advocate the rejection of Brazilian Bill No. 1,083/2021, as they consider its approval a setback in the historical evolution of occupational medical examinations.