Absentee records between 1986 and 1995 were examined at a shipbuilding company in Kobe. Although the absentees took longer absences at the company than in other companies which belonged to the Shipbuilders' Association of Japan, the annual incidence rate and the annual rate of days absent due to all sicknesses and injuries were decreased. In the circulatory and digestive diseases, the reduction was dramatic and, moreover, the length of absence per case was also reduced. The incidence rates for infectious and mental disorders were only slightly decreased, while the length of absence was significantly reduced. Neither the incidence rate nor the rate of days absent was significantly altered in either neoplasms, respiratory or musculoskeletal diseases but the annual incidence rate for musculoskeletal diseases alone was increasing slightly. Regarding 'lifestyle-related diseases' with long latent periods, it seems to be very difficult even to establish an accurate estimation of their prevalence. However, neoplasms and diseases of the circulatory system were at least included in commonly observed causes-of-death. Although the absentee records mainly reflected the severe cases which required long absences, a reduction in the length of absence for the circulatory and digestive diseases as well as their incidence and prevalence suggested a decrease in seriousness in such diseases. To supply better occupational health care to the workers, further investigation of the cost-benefit relationship is required.