Administrative and Judicial Control of the hand-arm Vibration Syndrome in Japan
本文回顾了日本对手-臂振动综合征的行政与司法立场及长期争议，指出该职业病从模糊概念演变为明确诊断，但雇主责任范围仍存争议，并通过一起赔偿案被推翻的案例说明问题，呼吁建立国际法律控制与防治指南。
The article reviews the administrative and judicial stand on the hand-arm vibration syndrome in Japan and the controversy that has accompanied the topic over the years. As an occupational disease, caused by vibrating tools, the syndrome has officially evolved from a vague entity comprised of neuritis and relevant diseases to that of a peripheral circulatory or neurological or motor-organ disorder involving the fingers, hands, forearms, etc. However, even though patients suffering from vibration disease today receive substantial benefits, there has been much controversy about the extent of responsibility that should be assumed by the employer. This controversy is illustrated by a recent court case in which the plaintiffs, patients with vibration disease, first won considerable compensation from their employer, only to have the case overturned in a higher court ruling. It is urged that acceptable international guidelines and criteria be established for the legal control, treatment, and prevention of the hand-arm vibration syndrome.