Specialized professionals in the field of occupational health and safety must develop their competencies with the highest standards, taking into account the changing health, economic and social realities and new forms of work organization. The purpose of these professionals is twofold; to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of people (workers) and to safeguard healthy environments in organizations. The positive effects derived from these actions have been widely recognized as key elements for the development and economic growth of a country due to the positive effect on the physical and mental well-being of the working population.
Among other challenges and to highlight the most current ones, the imminent aging of the working population as a consequence of the increase in life expectancy, the implementation of teleworking in productive systems originated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the proven influence of the complex social determinants of health, requires the updated and permanent training of professionals. All this, with the purpose of adding substantial value and sustainability to the organizations from disciplinary approaches of health promotion and education.
Consequently, and for these reasons, the university assumes the training of these professionals and scientific research is an indispensable academic complement. In particular, the Ecuadorian Observatory of Occupational Safety and Health (OESST) of the Espiritu Santo University (UEES) functions as a meeting and collaboration point between university students and scientific research to generate knowledge about working conditions and health in the working population.
Antonio R. Gómez García, Ph.D.
Ecuadorian Observatory of Occupational Safety and Health.
