Consideraciones generales sobre la denuncia de enfermedades profesionales en Chile

Abstract

The application of the law 16.744, which creates a Medical Insurance for Industrial Accidents and Occupational Diseases, has not resulted in adequate health care for workers nor in the creation of any kind of preventative work. This statement is based on the poor notification of occupational diseases observed in Chile between 1977 and 1985. The following factors, amongst others, have produced this situation: - The law lacks a clear concept about epidemiological and medical surveillance and does not give the National System of Health Services (NSHS) the opportunity to have professionals and technicians dedicated to occupational health on its staff. - There are no occupational health staff in the National Health Service and insufficient in the mutualities. - The employer, and even the employee, tend to avoid medical attention in the mutualities, and even reporting disease, because these may have an adverse effect on additional differential dues and could lead to the application of fines to the companies concerned. - The lack of knowledge among doctors and workers about the legal benefits. Facing this situation the authorities should review the present legislation and the structures designed to solve workers health problems. The aim should be that the funds created through the application of the law should be used to protect the health of the active population.