Sustainability of green jobs in Portugal: a methodological approach using occupational health indicators

J Occup Health. 2017 Sep 28;59(5):374-384. doi: 10.1539/joh.17-0045-RA. Epub 2017 Aug 8.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop a methodological tool to analyze and monitor the green jobs in the context of Occupational Health and Safety.

Methods: A literature review in combination with an investigation of Occupational Health Indicators was performed. The resulting tool of Occupational Health Indicators was based on the existing information of "Single Report" and was validated by national's experts.

Results: The tool brings together 40 Occupational Health Indicators in four key fields established by World Health Organization in their conceptual framework "Health indicators of sustainable jobs." The tool proposed allows for assessing if the green jobs enabled to follow the principles and requirements of Occupational Health Indicators and if these jobs are as good for the environment as for the workers' health, so if they can be considered quality jobs.

Conclusions: This shows that Occupational Health Indicators are indispensable for the assessment of the sustainability of green jobs and should be taken into account in the definition and evaluation of policies and strategies of the sustainable development.

Keywords: Green economy; Green jobs; Occupational health and safety; Occupational health indicators; Sustainable development.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Humans
  • Occupational Exposure / analysis*
  • Occupational Health
  • Occupations
  • Portugal
  • Renewable Energy
  • Risk Assessment / methods*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • World Health Organization