ASSESSMENT OF WORK-RELATED HEALTH OF EMPLOYEES

Abstract

Objectives. Protecting and strengthening the health of employees is one of the primary tasks of public health. In the Republic of Moldova, about 22,3 thousand people from the national economy are employed in working conditions that do not correspond to occupational hygiene standards, 1,7 thousand – in heavy physical work, 0,36 thousand – work in rooms and 0,17 thousand handle machines which do not meet the requirements of work security. Preventing risks and promoting safer and healthier conditions at work are essential not only to improve the quality of jobs and working conditions, but also to promote competitiveness. Maintaining the good health of workers has a direct and measurable positive impact on productivity and contributes to improving the sustainability of social security systems.

Materials and methods. A retrospective socio-hygienic study was carried out using the method of statistical analysis of data on the state of health of the population of working age in the Republic of Moldova and the organization of medical assistance for the period 2007-2021.

Results. The monitoring of risk factors at the workplace and the health status of employees in relation to work constitute the essential foundations for strengthening and promoting the health of the employed population, through the development of primary prevention measures for occupational diseases. Preventing cases of serious occupational diseases and promoting the health of employees throughout their entire working life, starting from the very first job, is vital to enable a period of activity as long as possible. Occupational diseases, including those caused or aggravated by poor working conditions, represent a heavy burden on workers, businesses and social security systems.

Conclusions. Knowledge of working conditions in industrial and agricultural economic units is associated with solving many social and economic problems: increasing labor productivity, improving its quality, improving and maintaining health, reducing occupational morbidity, etc.