[Industrial medicine in Latvia].

The authors have reflected new trends in occupational health in Latvia. At present the whole system of general health care in Latvia is under consolidation and reconstruction. Thus, the occupational health and safety system of Latvia, as a nature part of general health care system is also under changes and reconstruction. Today Latvia's workforce consist of 1.68 million people, working in a large number of workplaces, mainly in industry and agriculture. There are still very hazardous working conditions in many workplaces. The total number of diagnosed occupational diseases ranges from 90 to 220 cases per year. If counted per 100,000 workers the rates of occupational diseases are 5.1 in 1981 and 23.4 in 1995. New system of occupational health is under development in Latvia. New legislation and regulations are published and extensive training for specialists provided. A new system of information is under construction as well as new hygienic standards. Main stress is paid to ensure that standards of EC are met.