[COVID-19: it's time for its full recognition as an occupational disease]

Arch Prev Riesgos Labor. 2023 Jul 14;26(3):179-186. doi: 10.12961/aprl.2023.26.03.01.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

In a context of transition towards the end of the pandemic, we think it is time to recognize COVID-19 as an occupational disease. The steps taken to recognize it as a work accident in health workers represent progress, but it is not enough. It is a step that the European Commission has recently recommended, including it on the European list of occupational diseases, in all those activities with a clear risk of contagious. This would imply objective advantages for workers and companies.

En un contexto de transición hacia el final de la pandemia, pensamos que es el momento o de reconocer como enfermedad profesional la COVID-19. Los pasos dados de reconocimiento como accidente de trabajo en sanitarios representan un avance, pero es insuficiente. Es un paso que ya ha recomendado recientemente la Comisión europea, para incluirla con el listado europeo de enfermedades profesionales, en todas aquellas actividades con un riesgo de infección demostrado. Esto supondría ventajas objetivas para las personas trabajadoras y las empresas.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Occupational Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Pandemics