CAREX Nicaragua and Panama: Worker exposures to carcinogenic substances and pesticides.

This study provides data on numbers of workers exposed at work to selected carcinogens and pesticides in Nicaragua (35 substances) and Panama (31), based on a modification of the CAREX data system. Population censuses provided industry- and sex-specific workforce numbers. The activity- and sex-specific proportions of exposed workers were estimated by experts from governmental agencies, workers' organizations, and employers' representatives. Finally, the numbers of those occupied in each activity/sex category were multiplied by the proportions of those exposed in the same categories, yielding numbers of those exposed in these categories for each agent. The study revealed high proportions (> 9%) of occupationally exposed workers in both countries for solar radiation and diesel engine emissions; environmental tobacco smoke in Panama; and some pesticides in Nicaragua. A high proportion of exposed was found for men for lead (12%), silica dust (10%), and hexavalent chromium (10%) in Panama.

A program for the reduction of occupational injuries and changes in safety culture among stevedores at Port of Havana, Cuba.

This study describes the structure, process, and impact of a comprehensive sixteen-month safety enhancement program among stevedores at the Port of Havana, Cuba. Our objective was to reduce occupational injury risk and improve safety conditions by enhancing hazard knowledge and identification as well as improving safety behavior. The target group for the training program consisted of 185 male stevedores in one port terminal. A comparison group of 105 male stevedores was included from another terminal where the program was not implemented. Other personnel were included in the program. The training covered a number of safety procedures and used various training methods. As contrasted with the comparison group, injury incidence decreased in the intervention group, accompanied by significant improvements in safety knowledge and behavior and injury hazard identification. The practices of the program led to safety enhancements in the port and are being considered for adoption in other ports in Cuba.

Perspectives for workplace health promotion in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Latin American and Caribbean region is witnessing the emergence of discussion on workplace health promotion (WHP). The authors propose WHP as an equitable collective action targeting primarily work hazards and their determinants. It has its economic-political "macro" level and a downstream "micro" level. On the macro level, neoliberalism, privatization, and deregulation threaten equitable health and labor issues. Effective labor and health legislation and a fair degree of social redistribution of resources support WHP. Micro-scale WHP is important for contextual reasons and social diffusion, and can literally save lives. Worker involvement, free association of workers, public health affiliation, the precautionary principle, sensitization and training, employer responsibility for healthy working conditions, coalitions between workers and health professionals, and preference for reduction of direct work hazards over modification of personal lifestyles are basic tenets of WHP.