By Dr. José Ignacio Méndez Campos, president of the Chilean Society of Occupational Medicine (Sochmet) and member of Sochimev; and Dr. Gabriela Moreno Maturana, member of the Sochmet Board of Directors.
human work and industrial production have promoted the economic growth of nations, but many times at the expense of the environment and health of those who make this development possible: workers. Occupational health cannot be limited to preventing accidents or occupational diseases; It must integrate a planetary integral vision, recognizing that physical, chemical, biological or psychosocial risks in workplaces are closely linked to pollutants that damage ecosystems.
Climate crisis, air pollution, water scarcity and soil degradation not only affect the environment, but also working conditions. Once exposed to extreme temperatures, higher intensity climatic events such as storms or floods, and exposure to industrial or chemical waste, are concrete examples of how environmental deterioration impacts human health. For this reason, it is urgent to move towards occupational health with sustainable approach.
Integrating sustainability in labor policies is not just an ethical imperative; It is a strategic need. Reducing the use of natural resources, reducing hazardous waste, improving recycling systems and betting on clean production not only protects the planet, but also prevents diseases and improves the quality of working life. At the same time, it promotes a more efficient and resilient economy.
However, sustainability is not exclusive task of governments or companies. Our daily elections have a real impact: what we eat, how we move, what we consume and how we inhabit the environment. Opting a diet based on fresh, local and plant origin not only prevents chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes or cardiovascular pathologies, but also reduces carbon footprint, water use and pollution.
-Walking, using the bicycle or moving actively during the day improves physical and mental health, while reducing pollutant gas emissions. Choosing durable, reusable products and avoiding excessive consumption also protects the planet and strengthens our personal economy. Even simple habits such as turning off unnecessary lights, repairing leaks or composting can make a difference.
Personal well -being and planet’s health are not opposite objectives; They are deeply interdependent. Human health depends on healthy ecosystems and vice versa: our actions can contribute to restore natural balance.
Today more than ever, we need a new paradigm that integrates human, animal and environmental health. A model where companies produce responsibly, governments legislate with vision of the future and people make conscious decisions.
Remember that taking care of the planet is not an option: it is a way to take care of ourselves, our future families, communities and generations. Sustainability is health and this begins with our daily choices.
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