Refer cases to specialists if unsure

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Doctors who suspect an occupational disease should send the patient to a specialist.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Subramaniam said the specialist would then carry out tests to see if there was a link between the health problem and the workplace.
The most common occupational diseases reported to Socso are noise-induced hearing loss, musculoskeletal, lung and skin diseases.
There are 226 occupational diseases listed under the Social Security Act 1969.
Dr Subramaniam said Socso published the Diagnosis of Occupational Diseases two years ago and doctors could get copies at no charge.
"The guidelines are to assist those on the Socso medical, specialist medical and medical appellate boards as well as doctors to conduct more objective occupational and medical history taking, clinical examination and investigations of occupational diseases.
"We train doctors who sit in the boards in occupational diseases and disability assessment using the standard guidelines on impairment and disability assessment.
"We also work with NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) in training doctors, employees and employers."
Socso were also involved in training doctors through professional bodies such as the Academy and Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Malaysian Industrial Hygiene Association, he said.
To further help doctors diagnose occupational diseases, Socso has introduced a standard medical report form.
The number of occupational disease cases reported has steadily risen, from 189 in 2003 to 515 last year.
"It's a good sign but I still feel it's very much underreported," he said, adding that doctors should be more alert for occupational diseases.
For example, he said, if a baker complained of asthma then it could be because of the flour.
"If the doctor cannot confirm it, then he should refer the worker to a respiratory specialist."