Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Many workers are exposed to unacceptable occupational risks, being victims of occupational diseases and serious accidents at work, a huge public health problem. The green jobs, being in line with the goals of sustainable development, have an un-precedent opportunity to ensure a healthy functioning of the Earth's ecosystems, but also decent work for all workers and high levels of workers' health and well-being, including the coverage of the working population by Occupational Health and Safety Services. However, green jobs are not necessarily a safe, healthy and decent work. The purpose of this study is the development of a methodological tool to analyze and monitor the green jobs in the context of Occupational Health and Safety. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: An investigation of Occupational Health Indicators was performed in combination with a literature review. The resulting tool of Occupational Health Indicators was based on the existing information of �?�?�?�?�?�?�?¢�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?Annual Activity of the Health and Safety at Work Service�?�?�?�?�?�?�?¢�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?. These indicators were applied to 281,124 local units/establishments and 2,780,686 workers in Portugal. Results: A tool developed integrating 40 Occupational Health Indicators in four key fields established by World Health Organization in its conceptual framework �?�?�?�?�?�?�?¢�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?Health indicators of sustainable jobs�?�?�?�?�?�?�?¢�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?. The tool assesses if the green jobs follows the principles and requirements of Occupational Health and if these jobs are as good for the environment as for the workers` health, essential conditions to be considered quality jobs and an expression of social responsibility. Conclusion & Significance: It is urgent an adequate monitoring of green jobs in the context of occupational health, a requirement that should not be underestimated if sustainable development is to be achieved. Occupational Health Indicators are indispensable to take into account in the definition and evaluation of policies and strategies of the sustainable development.

Biography

Sandra Moreira has her experience occupational health and safety, environmental health and public health, areas developed in entities of the ministry of health and the ministry of environment. With postgraduate in “Management and environmental policies” his research associated green jobs and occupational health issues.
Email:sandrasofiamoreira@hotmail.com