Occupational health in Cuba.

Abstract

Health and safety regulation, training, and research were practically non-existent in Cuba before the Revolution in 1959. Since that time important advances have been made. Specialized inspectors, occupational physicians, and other such personnel are now trained in Cuba. An Occupational Health Institute, founded in 1976, provides training and specialized technical services, and conducts research. In 1978, a far reaching "Work Safety and Health Law" was enacted which defines the rights and responsibility of government agencies, workplace administrators, unions, and workers. Comprehensive control of toxic substances in workplaces, still at an early stage, is likely to increase in light of the new law, the growing availability of qualified personnel, and the mounting concern of public health authorities with the increasingly "developed" health profile of the population.

Workplace Aggression in Cuban Health Care Settings

“…Approximately 40 years ago, occupational safety became a priority for the Cuban Government. Gomez (1981) described the increased focus on worker protection in Cuban occupational health similar to that of the United States. During the 1970s, occupational health specialists were trained to serve in roles similar to U.S. occupational hygienists.…”