The article reviews the present situation in the occupational health services (OHSs) in the Czech Republicat the business level in regards to the transposition of EU directives on occupational health and safety intonational legislation. Occupational medical services as a medical part of occupational health services aredefined as a package of preventivě medical examinations, workplace inspections, consultations, and recommendations provided by medical staff (occupational physicians and nurses). EU Directive 89/391/EEC, relating to preventivě and protective services, has yet to be implemented in full. At present roughly 40 % ofemployers fail to use the occupational physician services that are a legal minimum requirement for companies. The core competences of a recognized occupational physician are listed.

        Key words: occupational medicíně, company practice, occupational physician, competencies.