Economic development and occupational health in Latin America: new directions for public health in less developed countries.

Abstract

Occupational Health is increasingly recognized as an area of importance in Latin American public health. In the agricultural sector of the region, the concentration of arable land into large holdings devoted to the production of export crops has resulted in the formation of a large migrant work force and greatly increased use of pesticides. The manufacturing sector of Latin America has grown rapidly in size and importance. Throughout the continent, increasing numbers of workers are employed in high-hazard industrial jobs. Limited studies of occupational disease in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing suggest that there is a high prevalence of work-related illness in the populations at risk. Trade unions are generally weak, and the high rate of unemployment and underem-

Workplace Innovation for Social Sustainable Development

“…Hence, pressures from communities have led to the enactment of various safety legislations and safety standards in different countries and regions for different industries [6]. Despite the fact that people are working and spending most of their working hours at the workplace, little attention and resources are accorded to health and safety at workplace [7,8].…”

“…Healthy people are expected to contribute more to productivity and innovation. Workplace accidents and absenteeism from workplace site causes productivity loss [8,9]. The productivity directly related to workplace comfort and work behavior in the organization.…”

Occupational Safety and Health in Venezuela

“…Before the creation of the 1986 version of the Organic Law on Prevention, Conditions and Labor Environment ("Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo" [LOPCY-MAT]) 24 occupational risks were not considered a priority in Venezuela or Latin America as a whole. 25,26 The reform of the LOPCYMAT in 2005 was an improvement developed with the intention of constructing a new social security system. The aim was to adapt current Venezuelan law to the necessities of a working population.…”

Occupational and Environmental Lung Problems of Industrializing Countries

“…Remoteness, lack of economic and political influence, and other factors frequently mean that the populations in small-scale agricultural areas lack access to schools and essential health-care services, including occupational health services. [7][8][9][10] In contrast, formal sector production typically occurs on relatively large land areas owned by individuals, companies (agribusiness), or the state. Large-scale plantation production favors monoculture and usually occupies the best agricultural lands.…”