Although ethical codes for medical practitioners were already existing for many years in many countries, the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) has committed itself in the development of an International Code of Ethics for Occupational Health Professionals. Main reason for this Code are the complex and sometimes competing responsibilities of occupational health (OH) and safety professionals towards the workers, the employers, the public, public health and labour authorities, social security and judicial authorities. The Code applies to OH professionals and OH services regardless of whether they operate in a free market context or within the framework of public sector health services.
