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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

C. Eduardo Siqueira, MD, ScD, Department of Community Health and Sustainability, UMass Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Kitson 200, Lowell, MA 01854, 978-934-3147, carlos_siqueira@uml.edu and Johnny Picone, MD, Instituto Nacional de Prevencion, Salud y Seguridad Laboral, Edif. Luz Garden, entre las esquinas de Manduca a Ferrenquín, La Candelaria, Caracas, Venezuela.

Venezuela had a strong democratic process of public discussions and debate before the enactment of a new occupational safety and health legislation titled Organic Law of Prevention, Working Conditions and Work Environment (abbreviated as LOPCYMAT in Spanish). This new law introduced several new democratic reforms that establish the role of the Ministry of Labor and social actors (workers, employers, unions, etc) in preventing workplace hazards. The Law established a series of democratic mechanisms for the Venezuelan people to participate in policy-making at the local, state and national levels. In addition, the National Institute for Prevention of Occupational Health and Safety (INPSASEL) was strengthened to design and implement intervention policies and plans to promote, prevent, and care for worker's health. The INPSASEL has increased workplace inspections and worker training, improved health care for workers by providing comprehensive services, and coordinated the election of hundreds of shop floor prevention delegates and health and safety committees all over Venezuela. The Institute has focused in strategic sectors of the Venezuelan economy, such as the petrochemical industry, the steel industry and the aluminum industry. In addition, it has developed specific initiatives in the construction, agriculture, and informal sectors. This presentation will detail the legal and institutional framework of occupational safety and health in Venezuela as well as the numeorus accomplishments of the Institute in 2005-2006, which were only possible due to growing participation of Venezuelan workers in its decisions, through the Regional Worker Health Coordinations.

Learning Objectives:

• 1)Describe the main aspects of the occupational health policies implemented in Venezuela during the Chavez administration.
• 2)Identify the key social actors and organizations involved in the implementation of occupational health and safety policies in Venezuela.
• 3)Examine the role of shop floor delegates in changing workplace health and safety conditions in tandem with federal government support.

Keywords: Occupational Health, International Health

Related Web page: www.inpsasel.gov.ve

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation