“Occupational Health in Argentina: Challenges and Oportunities”

Argentina is situated in the southern part of South America, It’s the second largest country in South America after Brazil and the eighth largest country in the World. The population in 2010 was estimated about  41 million. The GDP in 2010 was U$S 425 billion and the Per Capita GDP was U$S 8.956. The anual growth rate in 2010 was 7,5%. The work force estimated is: Industry and comerce: 23%; agriculture: 5% and services: 72%. Argentina is within the denominated “new industrialised countries”, with high contrasts between the urban population, based on service and industry, and the rural population, based on agriculture and cattle. The process of globalization provoked high unemployment and the transfer of workers from a formal market to an informal one in the beginning of the XXI century. The first legislation on occupational health dates from 1915 and the last one from 1996: “Ley de Riesgos del Trabajo” (Law on Occupational Risks). The system of prevention, assistance and compensation for accidents at work and for occupational illnesses has changed from being optative for employers, to the compulsory hiring of private insurance companies (ART: “Aseguradora de Riesgo de Trabajo”). In itinere accidents are included and occupational diseases are listed in a closed list.  More than 8 million of formal workers are covered. Informal workers and unemployed people are not covered and depend on the Public Health without the possibility of prevention and compensation system.  The Government keeps the role of supervisor of the system. Unfortunately the law was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and a new law is awaited since 2004.There are enough professionals in occupational health, hygiene and safety. The teaching is given by many universities and professional associations, some of which have an active profile in the occupational health of the country.