Abstract

Fourteen largest country; thirteen largest economy in the world. Population: 119 million. Part of the following trade organisations: APEC, NAFTA, OECD and WTO. GDP: 1.5 trillion; GDP per capita $8,700.00. Labour Force 52.8 million. Main Industry: Food and beverages, Tobacco, Chemical, Iron and Steel, Petroleum, Mining, Textiles, Clothing, Motor Vehicles, Consumer Durables and Tourism. Export goods: automobiles, electronics, televisions, computers, mobile phones, LCDs, oil, silver, fruits, vegetables, coffee and cotton. 2860 maquiladora companies. Informal sector includes 60% of the working population. Social Security in Mexico covers ~40% of working population, (32% IMSS, 8% covered by others social/security institutions).

In this presentation, articles, laws/regulations, international agreements ratified by Mexico, ONGs such as OH professional societies and associations, as well as postgraduate studies all of them related to OH, will be reviewed. Additionally, we will cover in detail the Workers’ Compensation system in Mexico, available statistics on occupational accidents and diseases, educational and other identified needs in the Occupational Health field.

More postgraduate programs have been created. There is a new Occupational Diseases list. There are two new regulations on OH: Psychosocial and Ergonomics factors. Companies are working on new Wellness Programs. More integration with OH Latin-American countries societies and associations.

IH and S regulations separated from the occupational health regulations, need of a National Institute of Occupational Health, Maquila Sector occupational and social risks, informal sector, lack of reinforcement of OH and S laws and regulations compliance, lack of identification of occupational diseases, unsuitable registration and notification of work related accidents/diseases. Only severe injuries, disabilities or fatalities are regularly reported, lack of epidemiological surveillance programs available, lack of preventive culture, low rates of OH professionals, migrating population from Mexico to US without social security coverage